5 Things No One Tells You About Your First Week Home with a Newborn
The first week home with your newborn is a whirlwind of emotions and new experiences. This week will bring sleepless nights and unexpected joys, surprising you constantly. Although you probably read all the baby books and prepared as much as possible, some things remain unaddressed. Here are five things no one tells you about that first week home with your newborn, and tips to help you navigate through it.
1. You’ll Be Exhausted, and That’s Normal
• Expectation vs. Reality: While you might expect to be tired, the reality of sleepless nights can still hit hard. Your baby will probably wake every 2-3 hours to feed, and even if they’re sleeping, you might lay awake, worried or just adjusting to the new routine.
• How to Cope: Sleep when your baby sleeps, even if it’s just a nap. Accept help from family and friends for household chores or even baby duty so you can rest.
• Tip: Don’t feel guilty for resting. This is the time to focus on recovery and adjusting to your new life as a parent.
2. Baby’s Feeding Schedule Might Be Unpredictable
• Cluster Feeding: Many newborns go through periods of cluster feeding, where they want to eat constantly for several hours at a time. This is normal and helps establish your milk supply if you’re breastfeeding.
• Formula-Fed Babies: If you’re formula-feeding, you may notice your baby’s feeding schedule isn’t as predictable as you expected. They might eat more or less than you expected, which is okay as long as they are gaining weight and have enough wet diapers.
• How to Manage: Be flexible with feeding times and focus on feeding on demand, rather than sticking to a strict schedule. Trust your baby’s hunger cues.
3. Your Emotions Will Be All Over the Place
• The Rollercoaster: One minute, you’ll feel on top of the world, gazing at your little one with love and awe. The next, you might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even tearful. Fluctuating hormones and exhaustion often cause these mood swings.
• What’s normal: Baby blues are very common in the first week. If you’re feeling sad, anxious, or irritable, remind yourself that this is normal and usually resolves within a couple of weeks.
• When to Seek Help: If these feelings persist or worsen, it could be a sign of postpartum depression. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you’re feeling more than just the baby blues.
4. Baby’s Sleep Won’t Look Like You Imagined
• Short, Unpredictable Naps: Newborns have very short sleep cycles and will often wake up after just 20-30 minutes. They don’t follow the typical night-and-day schedule yet, so expect frequent awakenings at all hours.
• What’s normal: Your newborn will probably sleep 16-18 hours a day, but not in long stretches. The frequent waking ups, while exhausting, are normal and temporary.
• How to Handle It: Swaddling, white noise, and a consistent (but simple) bedtime routine can help ease your baby into better sleep. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect yet; it takes time for babies to adjust.
5. You’ll Question Everything
• Self-Doubt Creeps In: Even with all your research and preparation, there will be moments when you question your decisions. Is your baby getting enough milk? Are you holding them correctly? Why are they crying?
• Trust Your Instincts: While it’s normal to have doubts, trust that your instincts will guide you. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to ask for help, but give yourself credit for the knowledge and love you’re already providing.
• Tip: Connect with other parents. Whether it’s through a support group, a parenting app, or friends, talking to other new parents can provide reassurance that you’re not alone.