What to Expect… After You’re Expecting… Expected? Idk..You just had a Baby!
Congratulations, mama! You've just welcomed your precious bundle of joy into the world, and now it's time to embark on the incredible journey of motherhood. The first week after giving birth is a whirlwind of emotions, adjustments, and learning experiences. Here's a guide to help you navigate this exciting and challenging time.
Congratulations again, mama! You've got this.
The first week after giving birth is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, challenges, and incredible moments of joy. By prioritizing your physical recovery, seeking support for breastfeeding, managing sleep deprivation, bonding with your baby, adjusting to parenthood, and accepting help from others, you'll be better equipped to navigate this exciting and transformative time with confidence and grace.
The Things That Keep You Up
The High Level - Low Down
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Your body has just been through a tremendous experience, so it's essential to prioritize your physical recovery during the first week postpartum. You may experience soreness, bleeding, and discomfort as your body heals from childbirth. Remember to take it easy, rest as much as possible, and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for postpartum care, including pain management techniques and pelvic floor exercises.
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Your hormones are still adjusting after giving birth, which can lead to mood swings, weepiness, and feelings of overwhelm. This is completely normal and often referred to as the "baby blues." Be gentle with yourself and reach out for support from your partner, family, and friends. If your feelings of sadness persist or intensify, don't hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider, as it could be a sign of postpartum depression.
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If you've chosen to breastfeed, the first week can be a steep learning curve for both you and your baby. It's common to experience challenges such as sore nipples, engorgement, and difficulty latching. Seek guidance from a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider for support and advice. Remember that breastfeeding is a skill that takes time and patience to master, so be patient with yourself and your baby.
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Sleep deprivation is par for the course during the first week postpartum, as your newborn's feeding and sleep schedule may be unpredictable. Take advantage of any opportunity to rest when your baby sleeps, even if it's just for short periods throughout the day and night. Consider enlisting the help of your partner, family members, or friends to take shifts caring for the baby so you can get some much-needed rest.
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The first week after giving birth is a precious time for bonding with your newborn. Spend plenty of skin-to-skin time with your baby, cuddle, and snuggle as much as possible. Talk to your baby, sing lullabies, and make eye contact to establish a strong emotional connection. Remember that bonding is a gradual process that develops over time, so be patient and enjoy getting to know your little one.
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Becoming a parent is a major life transition that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. During the first week postpartum, you may experience a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to fear and uncertainty. It's normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of yourself as you navigate this new role. Reach out to other parents for support, rely on your healthcare team for guidance, and trust in your instincts as you find your way as a new parent.
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Don't be afraid to accept help from your partner, family, and friends during the first week after giving birth. Whether it's assistance with household chores, preparing meals, or caring for the baby, having a support system in place can make a world of difference as you adjust to life with a newborn. Remember that it's okay to ask for help and that you don't have to do it all alone.
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It’s never too late to hire in-home help if it’s something your family can swing. Our team of income night nannies, newborn care specialists, postpartum doulas and night nurses is here to help in whatever way you allow us to.
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Most babies lose 5-7% of their initial birth weight after making their entrance to this world. This is primarily due to a loss of fluids during birth. Regardless of feeding method, most babies regain those lost ounces in the first two weeks of life. Half anounce to one ounce of weight gain per day is ideal once baby is on a regular feeding pattern ad mom’s milk is in.
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Breastfed babies will eat 8-12+ times per day for the first 4 weeks a minimum. Bottlefed babies will generally eat similarly for the first week, but most bottefed babies receive enough volume at each feed to go 2.5-3 hours betwee feeding. After 4 weeks this will vary based on your production and/or baby’s intake. Between 4-8 weeks most babies eat 5-8 times per day. Between 8-12 weeks this is 5-7 times per day.
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There’s few ways to regularly measure a breastfed baby’s intake. Botte fed babies eat as follows:
0-2 weeks: 15ml-90ml (or more)
2-4 weeks: 60-120 ml (or more)
4-8 weeks: 3-5 oz per feed
8-12 weeks: 4-6 oz per feed
12-16 weeks: 5-7 oz per feed
16+ weeks: 6-8 oz per feed
These numbers are assuming a 3-hour schedule through 16 weeks with a baby who’s beginning to stretch overnight.
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Short and Simple! Whenever you feel comfortable. You can follow a schedule AND feed on demand.
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Newborns need 16-20 hours of sleep per day!
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Newborns are often nocturnal as mom’s are more active during the day and this lulls them to sleep in the womb.
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Yep! Breastfeeding and bonding aren’t mutually exclusive. Love for babies is having their needs met. If you’re an active participant in your baby’s life… you will bond.
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Spitting up is super normal. As long as baby isn’t in pain and is gaining weight well, don’t stress it.
Harmony Baby Concierge is a full service Newborn Care + Postpartum Support Agency based in Dallas, Austin and Houston, Texas.. We have a well-rounded team of Newborn Care Specialists, Night Nurses, Postpartum Doulas, Newborn Night Nannies and Baby Nurses. We provide lactation support, newborn care, night nursing, gentle sleep training and parent education to families of newborns. We serve all families with love, warmth and care. Serving: Dallas, Austin, Houston, Highland Park, University Park, Kessler Park, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Plano, Frisco, Celina, Prosper, Fort Worth, Southlake, Westlake, Irving, Preston Hollow, Park Cities, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Houston, Manvel, Galveston, West University, Austin, Barton Creek, Round Rock, Houston, Denver, New York City, Greenwich CT, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Englewood Colorado, Cherry Hills Village CO, and Surrounding Areas.