Once you come home after the birth, you and your partner are alone with your baby for the first time. You might feel like you're not doing much and wonder why the days still seem to fly by—even though you're doing so much.
Closeness and Arrival
In the first 24 hours, your baby will sleep a lot because it is exhausted from birth. You are probably just as tired—take the term literally and give your body some rest, too. Since your baby first needs to learn how to soothe itself, it will probably sleep best on or next to you or your partner. By providing lots of physical contact and security, you strengthen its basic trust in the first days.
Breastfeeding or giving a bottle
In the beginning, your baby will probably want to feed every few hours—especially when, after about three days, the colostrum transitions to transitional milk and then to mature breast milk. Your newborn doesn't need a fixed schedule, and you don't need to worry about spoiling it with frequent nursing. Even though it can be exhausting at first, nurse or feed your baby on demand whenever it asks. If you have decided to give a bottle, your partner can support you and enjoy a few extra bonding moments with your baby.
Care and dressing
No one is born a master at diapering and baby care, so feel free to have your midwife show you all the techniques. In our article "", you will find a step-by-step guide to diapering, with a video from LILLYDOO midwife Sissi. Surely, you will have your routine figured out after just a few days. You should only bathe your newborn once the has fallen off, which usually happens after five to six days. In the first few days, it is sufficient to wash your baby with a soft washcloth and lukewarm water; applying cream is not yet necessary.
Visit from family and friends
Of course, your loved ones want to meet your baby as soon as possible. However, the most important thing when planning visits is your well-being and that of your child. Feel free to communicate clearly if you would prefer to postpone visits until a later time.
External support
In the first ten days after birth, your midwife visits daily to check on you. The U2 examination, which takes place three to ten days after birth, is also a good opportunity to ask your doctor questions. Support in everyday life is essential in the first days to help your body recover from childbirth. So, at first, leave the household chores entirely to your partner, or arrange a maternity nurse to help. Don't hesitate to accept help from family or friends, or to make everyday life easier in other ways: For example, with the you don't have to worry about diaper purchases and will always be equipped with everything you need.
Be patient with you
The first few days after birth can also be emotionally exhausting, especially when the set in after a few days. Additionally, it may seem as if your baby often cries without any apparent reason. But in the end, you also need to get to know your little explorer first, and you will soon learn to interpret their signals. Still, there isn't always an obvious reason for their discomfort. In such cases, the best thing you can do is give them closeness and calm. Be gentle with yourself as well, and remember: it’s okay not to be okay.
Even if parenthood is a completely new experience, trust your instincts and enjoy this first, very special time with your baby to the fullest. Rest, meet your newborn's needs, and get to know each other—these are the most important things in the first days.
