After our blog post “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” , we followed the advice of Ylva, our “mommy in charge,” and created a survival guide for new moms.
Because there is so much to learn after giving birth, we decided to turn this guide into a series covering the most important stages of early motherhood:
- While you are still in the hospital
- Bringing your newborn home
- What comes next
So let’s get started!
First of all, remember to relax. Bringing a newborn home can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first baby. But most of the basics of childcare will come naturally through your instincts as a parent.
Try not to judge yourself or strive for perfection. There is no such thing as a perfect mother — we are all perfect in our own unique way.
During the first weeks you may experience a wide range of emotions. Some moments your heart may feel like it could explode with love and happiness, while other moments you may feel exhausted or overwhelmed. This is completely normal.
The first weeks after birth are physically demanding. Lack of sleep and hormonal changes can make emotions feel stronger than usual.
While mild mood changes are common, it is also important to be aware of postpartum depression, which should always be taken seriously. If you want to learn more about this topic, you can read our article: “The Ups and Downs of Motherhood” .
While You Are Still in the Hospital
Start Breastfeeding Early
If you plan to breastfeed, try to start as soon as possible after birth. Let your nurse know that you would like to breastfeed immediately rather than bottle feed.
Your baby may not latch right away, and that is completely normal. You can gently express a small amount of colostrum — the nutrient-rich yellow liquid produced before breast milk — directly into your baby’s mouth.
Colostrum contains powerful nutrients and antibodies that help strengthen your baby’s immune system.
If you would like more information about breastfeeding, you can read our guide here: Beginner’s Guide to Breastfeeding .
Limit Visitors
Family and friends will be excited to meet your baby, but the first few days after birth are also an important bonding period for you, your partner, and your newborn.
Try to limit visits to one or two people per day and keep them relatively short. This allows you time to recover from childbirth and spend calm, meaningful moments with your baby.
Ask Nurses for Help
Take advantage of the support available in the hospital. Nurses and doctors can help answer questions and guide you through the first steps of caring for your newborn.
If you are experiencing discomfort after birth — such as bleeding, stitches, or hemorrhoids — do not hesitate to speak openly with your healthcare provider.
Learn How to Dress Your Baby
It is tempting to dress your baby in adorable outfits when leaving the hospital, but remember that newborns cannot regulate their body temperature very well yet.
A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in roughly the same number of layers you are wearing. Avoid overdressing, as overheating can make your baby uncomfortable.
Using layers that can easily be added or removed is often the best solution.
Practice Using Your Car Seat
Before leaving the hospital, make sure you are familiar with how your baby’s car seat works.
Installing and adjusting a car seat for the first time can feel stressful, so practicing beforehand will make the trip home much smoother.
Next in Our New Mom Survival Guide
In our next article — “Bringing Your Newborn Home” — we will discuss what to expect during the first days with your baby at home.
Stay tuned!
At Organic Baby Formula Shop , we want to congratulate you on the newest member of your family.
Our company is run by real parents who are passionate about helping other families give their babies the healthiest possible start in life. If you ever have questions, feel free to reach out to us — we are always happy to help.