Navigating Your First Day Home from the Hospital: What to Expect and How to Cope
Your first day home with your newborn is a mix of excitement, exhaustion, and adjustments. In the past, those initial days in the hospital might have felt like a mini vacation—with nurses attending to your needs, meals brought to you, and a lactation consultant just a call away. But now, especially since the pandemic, many new moms find themselves heading home sooner than expected. To help you prepare, here’s what you need to know about your first day at home with your new baby.
What It’s Like for Your Baby
Your newborn is adjusting to life outside the womb—a big job! On that first day home, expect your baby to spend a lot of time eating, pooping, peeing, sleeping, and crying.
- Eating:
Newborns have tiny stomachs, about the size of a Ping-Pong ball, and they feed every two to four hours, totaling eight to 12 feedings a day. Don’t worry about sticking to a strict schedule right away. If you’re breastfeeding, try feeding on demand, as it meets multiple needs: nourishment, warmth, skin-to-skin contact, and comfort. If your baby seems attached to your nipple and you need a break, try offering your pinkie finger, gently tickling their palate to soothe them. Spit-up is common and usually involves just a small amount—typically less than a tablespoon. - Pooping and Peeing:
By now, your baby’s initial meconium (the tarlike stool from the first day or two) should be replaced by greenish transitional poop, which will eventually turn yellow, possibly speckled with “seeds.” You should see three to six wet diapers a day as a sign that your baby is getting enough fluids. - Sleeping:
After the journey home, your newborn will likely be very tired. Expect them to sleep between two and three hours at a time. If they sleep longer, wake them up to feed, as their tiny tummies can’t hold much milk at once. Encouraging awake time during the day can help shift your baby’s schedule to align better with nighttime sleep. - Crying (and other noises):
Crying is your baby’s way of communicating their needs, whether it’s hunger, discomfort, or just a need to be held. If your baby is crying despite your efforts, try gently holding their head in your hands, lifting slightly, and talking softly. If crying persists, consult your pediatrician. Additionally, babies may make grunting or snorting sounds due to their small nasal passages. As long as they don’t turn bluish or struggle to breathe, this is normal.
When to Call the Doctor:
- Continuous blue skin, especially if the whole body appears blue or if this occurs during feeding.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can be signs of jaundice.
- Repeated vomiting, which could indicate an intestinal obstruction or other issues.
- Redness, puffiness, or pus around the umbilical cord, indicating possible infection.
- Extreme lethargy or difficulty waking for feedings.
- Rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher.
- Coughing beyond minor sputters during feeding.
- Fewer than three wet diapers in 24 hours, indicating potential dehydration.
- Any dramatic changes in appearance or behavior, such as weak crying or poor sucking reflexes.
What It’s Like Physically for a New Mom
Your body is recovering from the physical demands of childbirth, and now that the adrenaline has worn off, you’re likely feeling the effects. Vaginal and abdominal pain (especially after a C-section), along with heavy bleeding, are common. Stock up on ice pack pads and disposable panties to manage discomfort. You may also feel soreness all over your body from the physical effort of labor.
Your breasts will become engorged as your milk comes in, leading to tenderness. Hand-expressing milk can help relieve this, and some women find comfort in using cold gel packs or even frozen cabbage leaves. Nursing can be challenging, especially if your baby has difficulty latching, but with time and support from a lactation consultant, it can become a rewarding experience.
Constipation is another common issue due to the effects of labor, pain medication, and changes in your body. Stay hydrated, eat fiber-rich foods, and consider natural laxatives if needed, but always consult your doctor first.
When to Call the Doctor:
- Golfball-sized blood clots, which could indicate retained placenta.
- Fever over 100°F, which may signal infection.
- Increasing abdominal tenderness.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge, another sign of infection.
- Sudden onset of severe headache or chest pain, which could be a sign of a blood clot.
- Persistent burning pain during urination, which may indicate a urinary tract infection.
What It’s Like Mentally for a New Mom
The first 24 hours at home can feel like an emotional roller coaster. Hormonal changes, physical exertion, and lack of sleep contribute to mood swings, ranging from joy to anxiety. The baby blues, characterized by weepiness and irritability, often begin within the first week postpartum.
Fatigue can exacerbate these emotions, and you may find yourself struggling to sleep, even when you have the chance. A sense of humor can be a great coping mechanism—remember that it’s okay to laugh at the challenges, like confusing the cat for the baby in a sleep-deprived haze.
When to Call the Doctor:
- If you’re having disturbing or intrusive thoughts, which could indicate postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- If feelings of hopelessness or inability to care for your baby persist, which could be signs of postpartum depression.
What It’s Like for Your Partner
Your partner is also experiencing a range of emotions and exhaustion. It’s important to recognize that both of you need breaks and support. Before the baby arrives, discuss household roles and expectations to avoid misunderstandings. A divide-and-conquer approach can help manage the challenges of those first days.
Working together to care for the baby, sharing tasks like feeding and diaper changes, and taking turns napping can make a big difference in managing the demands of new parenthood.
Bringing your newborn home is a significant milestone filled with both joy and challenges. By knowing what to expect and understanding when to seek help, you can navigate this transition with confidence and focus on enjoying those precious early moments with your baby.