First Hours as a New Mum

Here’s a brutally honest and slightly awkward look at the First Hours as a New Mum.

The Raw Truth About Post-Birth That No One Tells You

The birth of your child is a wonderful moment. However, what happens afterward can both be surprising and overwhelming. There are many things about life after birth that you have never been warned about. From the odd appearance of your baby to the challenges in recovery, it’s important to know what is ahead. This guide will take you through some of those raw, real, and uncomfortable truths that you might face in the weeks and days following your childbirth. You’re not the only one who experiences this journey.

1. Newborns Can Look a Little… Odd

Let’s start with the truth: newborns are adorable, but also a bit strange. Their little heads might look funny-shaped after the big journey down the birth canal, and they’re often covered with a mysterious white goo (called vernix), which is normal, though a little alarming at first. They are, however, still small, sweet, and oh-so-amazing.

2. Their Bits Are Big

For some reason, newborn baby boys often arrive with… well, swollen bits. Don’t be alarmed, it’s common and temporary. Newborn girls can also have swollen genitals due to hormone changes from their moms during pregnancy. It’s all a little strange, but nothing to worry about.

3. The Devil is in the After-Pains

Just when you think your uterus can’t possibly contract anymore, after-birth pains strike. These cramps are your uterus trying to shrink back to its normal size. And let me tell you, they hurt. It feels like someone is stabbing you in the gut. Plus, they tend to come on strong when you’re breastfeeding. But don’t worry, it will eventually subside.

4. Pooping? Easier Said Than Done

“Grin and bear it” takes on a whole new meaning after you give birth. If you thought the delivery was tough, just wait until you try to go to the bathroom for the first time. Between the soreness, stitches, and feeling of a new body, it’s not the easiest thing. Be patient and take it slow.

5. The First Poop: It’s Like Tar

Let’s talk about the first poop of your newborn. It’s not the normal yellowish baby poop you might have envisioned. No, this is black, sticky, and tar-like. Changing that first nappy? You’ll need an arsenal of wipes (and maybe a second pair of hands) to get through this one. You’ll soon be a pro at getting that tar off your baby’s delicate skin, but it can be quite the challenge at first.

6. You’re Going to Be a Bloody Mess

And I mean that literally. Your body is still expelling blood after giving birth. This post-birth bleeding, known as lochia, can last for weeks. It’s normal to bleed heavily in the first few days, and you’ll need to wear maternity pads (don’t even think about tampons just yet). Don’t worry, it’s all part of the process, though it may leave you feeling like you’ve entered a battle zone.

7. You’ll Walk Like a Penguin

Remember that waddle you had towards the end of pregnancy? Well, after you give birth, it only intensifies. You’ll be walking like you just finished pushing out a baby because, well, you did. You might also feel sore down below, so take your time and try to move slowly as your body starts to heal.

8. The Baby Next Door Will Be Screaming, and So Will Yours

If your baby miraculously falls asleep, don’t think for a second that you’re off the hook. The baby next door will likely be wailing all night long. And as much as you feel sorry for the other mom, you’ll be secretly wishing that the crying baby could just return to the womb where it was nice and quiet.

9. It’s Almost a Given That Your Boobs Will Be Out

Let’s face it—once your baby is born, their main priority is to latch on and suckle. So, when visitors come by, it’s almost guaranteed that your boob will make an appearance. It’s awkward, it’s real, and it’s all part of the breastfeeding journey.

10. Your Baby Will Probably Scream, But Don’t Take It Personally

That newborn scream? Don’t worry, it’s not because of something you did. Your baby is probably just annoyed that they were suddenly forced out of the warm, cozy womb into this strange, bright, loud world. It’s perfectly normal for babies to cry a lot in the first few days—they’re adjusting to life outside the womb.

11. Your Stomach Looks… Well, Ridiculous

You may have imagined that your belly would immediately snap back to pre-pregnancy form. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Instead, you’ll have a belly that looks like jelly, and a wrinkled, soft pillow that makes you feel a bit like a deflated balloon. Your stretch marks may be more prominent, but hey, they’re battle scars—and they’re part of your beautiful journey.

12. Your Lady Bits Won’t Look Quite the Same

After childbirth, your vagina (and surrounding bits) will look, well, different. You may have swelling, tenderness, or stitches in the perineal area. These changes can be uncomfortable, but they’ll heal in time. A bit of TLC, ice packs, and supportive underwear will help you feel more comfortable as you recover.

You might also like: Knowledge of At-Home Pregnancy Tests

13. You’ll Look Like an Enlarged, Battered Version of Yourself

Let’s be honest—post-birth, you won’t look like you just stepped out of a beauty magazine. Your hair might be greasy, your face a little puffy, and you’ll probably feel like an exhausted version of your former self. But that’s okay. You’ve just done the most incredible thing in the world: you brought a human into existence. And, trust me, that baby in your arms is worth every bit of exhaustion.

Newborn Child in Wooden Co-sleeper Crib

First Hours as a New Mum: What Happens After Birth?

The first 24 hours after giving birth are filled with physical, emotional, and mental changes. It’s important to know what to expect during this time to ensure your body and your baby are both cared for properly.

Physical Care for New Mums

• Bleeding (Lochia): As your body heals, you’ll experience bleeding, which is normal. If it’s heavy or if you notice large clots, let your midwife know.

• After-birth Pain: Your uterus will contract back to its original size, causing cramps. The pain may intensify when breastfeeding, but over time, it will decrease.

• Perineal Healing: If you had a vaginal delivery, you may experience soreness in your perineal area. Ice packs and pain relief can help.

Caring for Baby

• Breastfeeding: Whether you decide to breastfeed or not, your baby will likely latch on immediately after birth. Your midwife or nurse will guide you through the process.

• Baby’s First Nappy: Expect the first poop to be sticky and black (meconium). It may take a bit of effort to get it cleaned up, but this is perfectly normal.

Homecoming

Once you’ve spent a few hours recovering in the delivery room, and if everything is going smoothly, you may be able to head home within a few hours to a few days, depending on the birth type and your recovery. Whether at home or in the hospital, you’ll receive plenty of support from midwives or healthcare professionals to help you adjust.

You might also like: Can Permissive Parents Change?

How Long Do I Have to Stay in the Delivery Room After My Baby Is Born?

After your baby’s birth, you will experience a mixture of emotions, including excitement, exhaustion, and new experiences. Your time in the delivery suite will vary depending on how you feel and what happens after birth. You’ll probably stay in the delivery area for a short time if you had a vaginal birth. This is when the medical staff monitors you and your child to ensure everything is running smoothly. It is possible to take a shower, eat, or rest for a short time before being transferred to the Postnatal Unit or sent home.

If your delivery was straightforward and both of you were feeling good, you might be able to leave the room quickly. You may be able to leave the delivery room quickly if your birth was straightforward and you both feel well. You may bond with your baby in the delivery room and also have the opportunity to start breastfeeding.

In a maternity unit, it is not uncommon to share a bed with another new mother. Both of you will have privacy to rest and recover while receiving the medical care that you both need.

You may need to stay in the delivery area if you have complications or require additional care. Your stay in the delivery area may be prolonged if you were assisted during birth (with forceps, vacuums, or other tools) or if you are feeling unwell. The hospital staff will ensure that your baby is taken care of if it needs additional care or monitoring.

After a Home Birth, What Care Will My Midwife Offer Me?

You will receive an exceptional level of care from your Midwife if you choose to give birth in the comfort of your own home. Your midwife will stay with you after the birth to make sure that both you and your child are doing well. She will offer advice about newborn care and early breastfeeding. She will also monitor your health to make sure that everything is going smoothly. Your midwife will monitor your vital signs and help with immediate postpartum needs. She will also make sure to address any stitches or recovery requirements.

Your midwife will remain with you after an at-home birth until you and your child are both comfortable and ready to rest. She will continue checking on you and your child, and you are welcome to ask her any questions about breastfeeding and newborn care.

You can expect to receive postnatal care in your home for the next 6 weeks. Your midwife will check on you frequently during this period to ensure that your baby is growing as expected and that your recovery is progressing well. These visits are particularly valuable for new moms as they offer reassurance, education, and support. Your midwife can help you to understand what is normal during the first few days following birth. She will also be your trusted guide.

Recovering From Birth: The Physical And Emotional Journey

No matter how you give birth, childbirth is a physically and emotionally demanding experience. Recovery is not just about recovering from the physical effects of childbirth; it also involves adjusting to a new life.

You may experience different symptoms such as fatigue, pain, swelling, or cramping after giving birth. All of these symptoms are normal, as your body is recovering from pregnancy and labor. You may experience tenderness or bruises in the perineal region after a vaginal delivery. This is especially true if you received stitches. Recovery can be difficult for cesarean sections, as you will need to take care of the incision in addition to healing from labor.

Emotionally, you may experience a variety of emotions, including joy, relief, and an overwhelming love for your child, but also fatigue, anxiety, or even sadness. These emotions are normal and should be acknowledged. In the first few weeks, many new mothers experience “baby blues” as their hormones adjust. It’s important to seek support if you feel consistently down, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your baby.

You can ask for assistance, both physically as well as emotionally. Rest and recuperate. You may feel pressured to “bounce” back quickly after birth. However, your body and brain need time to adjust and heal. You can better take care of your baby if you are taking care of yourself.