Surviving Baby's First Day Home
Although you likely didn’t realize it at the time, the first few days at the hospital was like a minivacation. Nurses tended to your postpartum pain, someone brought you food, and advice and help were a call button away.
Then, with less than a week’s experience under your belt, you’re thrown into the trenches of caring for a newborn alone. Brace yourself for the rollercoaster ride of emotions, sleep deprivation, and controlled chaos that is your first day back home. Fear not, though; I've got the insider intel on what to expect and how the seasoned moms navigated the madness.
Baby's POV: A Day in the Life
Your tiny human, fresh out of the womb, is now faced with the monumental task of adapting to a world sans amniotic fluid. It's a tough gig, let me tell you. Expect a symphony of eating, pooping, peeing, sleeping, and, of course, crying on their grand debut day at home.
Eating
These mini beings, with stomachs the size of a Ping-Pong ball, are on a feeding frenzy every two to four hours, totaling a staggering eight to twelve times a day. Forget about schedules for now; just let it flow. If you're on Team Breastfeed, embrace the on-demand strategy. According to Leigh Anne O’Connor, lactation maestro in New York City, breastfeeding satisfies an array of baby needs, from warmth to the sheer joy of being held.
Now, if you find yourself stuck in a nipple vice grip but need a breather, here's a trick. Offer your pinkie, facing up, and give their palate a gentle tickle. Dr. Cathryn Tobin, the baby sleep guru, explains that babies are used to nonstop sucking in the womb, and suddenly, there's a void. Your finger can be a temporary pacifier until they've got the hang of this feeding business. Just watch out for those tiny nails – we're not running a nail salon here!
And hey, if your bundle of joy decides to have a little spit-up party, don't stress. It's usually a result of some extra air they gulped during the feeding frenzy. It won't happen every time, and when it does, it's more of a dribble than a Hollywood-style projectile. According to Dr. Tobin, we're talking less than a tablespoon here.
Pooping and Peeing
By now, you've bid adieu to meconium, that tarlike substance that graced your baby's first day or two on this earthly adventure. Say hello to the transitional poop, now donning a greenish hue and possibly accessorized with cute little "seeds." Keep an eye out for a minimum of three to six wet diapers a day – because, well, hydration is key, even for the tiniest humans.
Sleeping
Now, let's talk about the land of dreams – sleep. According to Helen Moon, the baby whisperer hailing from Windsor, England, and the genius behind Cherish the First 6 Weeks, when your precious bundle arrives home, they're downright exhausted. The journey from the cozy confines of the womb to the vastness of the outside world is a trip, my friends. Exposure to fresh air, the chill, the warmth of the sun – it's a sensory overload. A simple drive might turn your little one into a sleep champion, conking out faster than you can say "naptime."
Anticipate your baby clocking in between two to four hours of uninterrupted slumber. If the Sandman decides to linger longer, it's your duty to rouse them from dreamland for a meal. "Their little tummies can't handle large quantities of milk at once," advises Moon. "Letting them sleep beyond four hours might lead to lethargy, and then they'll struggle to consume enough." So, there you have it – the lowdown on the not-so-glamorous, yet utterly fascinating, world of newborn functions.
Moon also advises encouraging some awake time during the day, ideally about an hour sandwiched between those adorable nap sessions. Why, you ask? Well, if you don't, your tiny human might decide that nighttime is the perfect occasion for a party, thanks to their fond memories of the cozy, sleep-inducing rocking provided by your uterus during the day. As Moon wisely points out, they've mastered the art of being more alert in the evening after a day of womb-rocking bliss.
Cry, Baby, Cry (& Other Baby Noises): It's Communication Time
Babies, the maestros of non-verbal communication, have a range of sounds to express their needs – be it hunger, discomfort, crankiness, or just the desire to suck on something. Once the need is met, they should ease off the decibel level. Now, when the usual methods of holding and rocking fail to produce the desired silence, Dr. Tobin has a trick up her sleeve. Cup the baby's head in your hands, give it a gentle lift, and engage in a soothing conversation. According to Tobin, most babies will hush up, eager to hear your dulcet tones. They might even open their eyes and gaze at you. If, despite your best efforts, the wailing persists, it's time to call in the big guns – your pediatrician.
Apart from the classic crying symphony, your little one might also treat you to a repertoire of grunting sounds. Jill S., a seasoned mom, fondly recalls the piglet-esque noises emanating from her baby's bassinet. According to Dr. Tobin, as long as these piglet impersonations don't transition into bluish hues or require a nursing pause for air, the nasal passages are probably in tip-top shape. Turns out, most babies are snorty sound enthusiasts, given their petite nasal passages. So, snort away, little ones!
Mom’s POV: The Postpartum Rollercoaster
Congratulations, you've just survived the ultimate test for your body! Now that the adrenaline and medications have made their grand exit, brace yourself for the aftermath. Beyond the expected vaginal and, if you went the c-section route, belly discomfort, you'll be treated to a spectacle of profuse bleeding.
Each time you stand up, a little blood surprise will grace your pad. It's not the most enjoyable experience, but rest assured, it's perfectly normal. For this grand spectacle, you'll want to stock up on those gigantic ice pack pads and disposable grannypanties straight from the hospital. Not only do they add a touch of comfort, but they also save you from drowning in laundry. Consider adding a doughnut-shaped seat cushion to your postpartum arsenal for that extra cushiony support.
Now, let's talk about the unexpected soreness that might hit you like a ton of bricks. As Margaret Buxton, the childbirth wizard from Baby+Co birth centers, points out, pushing is a full-body sport. It engages muscles you didn't even know existed – legs, upper body, neck, arms, and chest. Who knew childbirth was a secret workout program?
Oh Booby!
Prepare for a dramatic increase in the size and weight of your breasts, whether or not you're planning to embark on the breastfeeding journey. As the golden yellow colostrum makes way for the white, thin breast milk (resembling 1 percent cow's milk), your breasts might become tender, especially if you opted for the medicated birth route. Blame it on the two bags of IV fluid competing for space as the milk production gears up.
To ease the discomfort, hand-expressing milk from those firm bosoms can provide relief and make it easier for your bundle of joy to latch on. And for those adventurous souls, some swear by frozen cabbage leaves as an alternative to cold gel packs for that extra touch of relief.
Oh Shit!
Hold tight, because constipation might decide to join the postpartum party. According to Margaret Buxton, the diva of all things postpartum, labor diverts blood flow from the digestive system, leading to potential rhythm disruptions. Throw in hemorrhoids, post-episiotomy discomfort, and a dash of postpartum narcotics, and things can come to a screeching halt.
Abby L., the fearless mom, learned the hard way that post-c-section Percocet can be a secret constipation culprit. Her solution? A grocery store mission for stool softeners and prunes, a task that she amusingly delegated to her father-in-law.
If things get a bit too clogged up, natural laxatives like Traditional Medicinals Smooth Move tea, which features intestine-stimulating senna, could be your savior (just don't forget to consult your doctor!).
To keep things moving smoothly in the future, hydrate yourself with at least six eight-ounce glasses of water and ensure a daily intake of 5 grams of fiber. Bran cereal, beans, whole-wheat pasta, and raspberries can be your fiber-packed allies. And for those pesky hemorrhoids, witch hazel wipes, a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, and a warm sitz bath might just be your ticket to relief.
Navigating the Mental Maze
The initial 24 hours (and probably a few beyond) of motherhood are akin to embarking on an emotional roller coaster. Once your little one makes their grand entrance, your body goes on a mission to balance out the hormonal and chemical concoction, leading to mood swings galore—cue the weepiness, excitement, and irritability. Add the severe physical exertion and the inevitable lack of sleep into the mix, and voila! The baby blues might start knocking on your door, typically around a week postpartum.
Fatigue becomes your constant companion, playing tricks on your mind, especially considering you've likely been operating on minimal sleep since the early stages of labor. And when everyone finally succumbs to slumber, there you are, wide awake, listening intently for any baby noises to ensure their well-being. Sometimes, a hearty dose of humor can be your best ally.
