A Guide To: The first 3 days with your newborn.
Becoming a parent for the first time can be a daunting experience, especially in the first few days when you are still figuring everything out. Between the overwhelming love and joy of having a new life to care for, and the stress and exhaustion of adjusting to a new routine, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. But don't worry, you're not alone! We’ve created a guide to help you navigate the first three days with confidence.
Day 1:
Congratulations! Your baby is here! On the first day, you'll likely feel a mix of excitement and exhaustion as the hormones from the birth wear off. Here's what you can expect:
The Golden Hour: The Golden Hour is the first hour or two after your baby is born. As long as you and your baby are well, it's recommended to have 1-2 hours of uninterrupted skin-to-skin immediately following birth. If you have had a cesarean, you can ask to try supported skin-to-skin in the OR while they finish the surgery, or your support person can do skin-to-skin until you move into the post-operative area. This helps your baby adjust to the world outside the womb and has some amazing benefits for both of you.
Benefits for your baby:
Helps regulate body temperature.
Improves breathing rate.
Improves heart rate.
Reduces the risk of low blood sugar.
Benefits for you:
Increases the feel-good hormone oxytocin.
In vaginal birth, helps your placenta release from the uterine wall and lowers the risk of postpartum bleeding.
Oxytocin is also responsible for helping with feelings of connection and bonding to your child.
Studies show that uninterrupted skin-to-skin improves long term breastfeeding rates.
During the Golden Hour, your care team will monitor you and your baby by checking your vitals frequently to make sure that you are both doing well after birth. If everyone is healthy, assessments like weighing and measuring your baby should wait until after 1-2 hours of uninterrupted skin-to skin and your baby’s first feeding has passed.
In most hospitals, it is standard of practice to support uninterrupted skin-to-skin following birth. If you are not sure about policies where you are delivering, ask your care provider at your next prenatal appointment.
Rest: This may seem like the last thing you want to do since you finally get to stare at your beautiful baby that you’ve waited so long to meet, but it's important to get as much rest as possible. During this first day, when the baby is sleeping, you should be too! The biological norm for babies immediately after birth is to be wide-eyed and alert and for a couple of hours. Following this period, the baby will become very tired and will often sleep much of the next 12-18 hours. You may even have to wake them to feed. This means that you will likely be able to sleep too. And trust us on this one, you’re going to want to take the rest on the first night because as you’re going to read, the second night is often much less peaceful! If you are birthing at the hospital, we recommend packing a sleep mask to help maximize your comfort while you are in the postpartum recovery unit.
Breastfeeding: As long as your birth is uncomplicated, and you and your baby are healthy, your baby will be ready to feed within the first hour or so of life, sometimes sooner! Watch for signs such as lip smacking, or turning their head from side to side which is called rooting. If you are wanting to breastfeed, studies show that when the first feed happens soon after birth, you are more likely to have a successful breastfeeding relationship and breastfeed longer. You can read our “Guide to Latching Your Newborn” here. In this blog we cover how to get the best latch possible and all the feeding basics that you will need to know for success.
Feeding Frequency: Newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours from the beginning of feeds, starting immediately after their birth, even at night! Be prepared for a lot of feedings!
Breastfeeding:
In the first day, your baby will only take in small amounts of colostrum, your first milk. This is exactly what they need in this time. Colostrum is full of antibodies and proteins but low in fat, so it is easily digested. Even though the quantity of milk is small, these feeds are important to your breastfeeding relationship. Every latch is good practice for you and your baby and will help set you up for success in the coming days when baby needs to take in larger amounts of milk. These feeds also send the message to your body “make milk” which is an important part of the process of protecting and encouraging your milk supply. The recommended number of feedings in a 24-hour period is 8-12 feeds. Spending time with your baby skin-to-skin helps to establish a bond and can help with breastfeeding. This can be done after feedings and for as long as you and your baby are both comfortable. It is highly recommended to track all feeds, pees and poops until breastfeeding is well established as this will help you and your support team gauge how feeding is going.
Bottle/Formula feeding:
When it comes to bottles, we really like the Dr'. Browns Anti-Colic Bottles that are available in plastic or glass. If you are formula feeding your care team will help provide you with education surrounding which formula to use and the right amounts for your baby. In the first few days, all babies have small stomachs and will take in small amounts with each feeding. During this time, it is recommended to watch your newborn’s cues and feed on demand, or every 2-3 hours, stopping when you see signs of fullness. Don’t wiggle the bottle or try to encourage them to continue to eat once they’ve cued that they are done. You can read additional information on formula feeding and safe preparation here. It is important to note that all water needs to be properly prepared for babies under 4 months of age. Read about how to prepare water here.
Visitors: Friends and family may want to come to see the new baby but try to limit visitors in the first few days to give you time to bond and rest. Hospitals may limit the number of visitors you are able to have while you are there. Check with your hospital to see what their policies are. Once you're back home, it's important to choose visitors who can be more than just guests – they should be your trusted helpers. In those early days of recovery, your primary focus should be bonding with your baby and getting the rest you need to heal. So, remember to prioritize your well-being and let your visitors be there to offer support and share in the celebration of this beautiful new chapter in your life.
Day 2:
The second day following birth often brings a mix of emotions and physical sensations. Here's what you can expect.
Healing: You will likely be feeling some discomfort as your body recovers from the birthing process. It's vital to listen to your body and prioritize rest. Don't hesitate to use pain relief as needed to ensure you're as comfortable as possible. Speak with your care team about what pain relief options are right for you. Ensure that you are nourishing and hydrating your body.
Tips for healing from vaginal birth:
Lay down. During healing from a vaginal birth, you may find that you have a sore bottom. Try laid back or side lying positions as much as possible to avoid putting pressure on your perineum for long periods of time.
Postpartum Mesh Underwear: We highly recommend using mesh underwear like these after birth. They are stretchy, fit large pads and will be much more comfortable than most underwear. Adult diapers are a great alternative as well.
Peri-bottle: After vaginal birth, using a peri-bottle filled with warm water during and after using the toilet can improve your comfort and help you feel cleaner (Remember to pat with the toilet paper, not wipe). We recommend having one bottle for each bathroom that you will use so that you don’t have to go and grab it each time. Shown here and here are some examples of the peri-bottles you can use.
Ice Pads. Sometimes referred to as “padsicles”, frozen pads can bring much comfort and relief if you have soreness or swelling from birth. We recommend prepping a few frozen pads during pregnancy so that you can use them once the baby has arrived. Read our guide on how to make padsicles here.
Tips for healing from cesarean birth:
Stay on top of your pain management. Your care provider will make recommendations for any medication that may be needed to stay comfortable. It is easier to stay on top of pain management rather than wait until you are uncomfortable and have to treat the pain.
Incision care: Your care team will show you how to keep your incision clean and how to watch for signs of infection. If you spot any redness, pus or are in pain, ensure that you let your care team know right away.
Move around: It can be tempting to avoid moving after cesarean for fear that it may be uncomfortable. However, it is recommended to take short walks, even just 5 minutes, every few hours. This can help reduce the chance of constipation or developing a blood clot. It will also help decrease stiffness so you will feel more mobile.
Support pillow: Holding a pillow against your tummy when you sneeze, cough or laugh can add additional support and make you more comfortable.
Feeding Positions: If you are breastfeeding, you may find that feeding in a position like football hold will increase comfort by taking the pressure off your tummy and keeping your baby’s feet away from the incision area.
Sleep: You may start to feel more tired on the second day as the adrenaline from birth wears off and the reality of round-the-clock care for your little one sets in. It's perfectly normal to experience fatigue as you adjust to your new routine. Remember to prioritize rest and take naps whenever possible. Even though your nights look different than before baby arrived, it is healthy to maintain a “bedtime routine”. Make sure that you set a time where you are going to go to bed. Get ready for rest and settle in. During this time, try and avoid screens and prioritize sleep in between feedings.
Support: During your pregnancy, come up with a postpartum plan. Look at your support network and talk to friends and family about who can help and what they can do. Sometimes it can be hard to accept help but in these early days, leaning into family, friends or a postpartum doula for assistance with meals, cleaning, and other household tasks can be a lifesaver. You'll need all the support you can get, and your loved ones will likely be more than willing to lend a hand.
Feeding your baby: Your baby will still need to eat at least every 2-3 hours, even at night, with a goal of 8-12 feeds in a 24-hour period. If you are formula feeding, your provider will advise you to slowly increase the amount of formula being offered. Feed your baby on demand and watch for feeding cues and signs of fullness. You may find that your baby seems hungrier today, and that they seem to be eating more often. This is normal. They do this instinctually as their tummies expand and to cue to your body to make more milk.
*Important note about night 2:
It is important to know that the second night can be notably more challenging than the first night. On night one, babies are often a bit sleepier from the birthing process. However, on night two, they may seem more unsettled, and crying may increase. Your newborn is beginning to adjust life outside the womb. They are experiencing all kinds of new sensations like hunger and the absence of feeling held. They may also cluster feed. Cluster feeding is when your baby shows hunger cues often and the feeds are close together. During the second night, this behaviour is the biological norm, rooted in your baby's instinctual programming. These frequent feedings on the second night signal to your body to "make milk" and help establish a strong milk supply. Many parents become worried that their baby is not taking in enough milk because babies are cuing to feed often. It can be helpful to educate yourself on signs that baby is getting what they need. Tools like the Best Start Guide are a great resource. Understanding what it looks like when baby is effectively breastfeeding and transferring milk will also help you feel more confident and provide comfort in knowing that your baby is getting what they need.
As you navigate this second day with your newborn, remember that every baby is unique, and the most important thing is to follow their cues and your own instincts. Ask for help and support if, and when you need it.
Day 3:
By the third day, you'll have a better idea of what to expect and may start to feel more comfortable in your role as a parent. However, many parents still feel that they are very much in a transition period which can come with many emotions. Here's what you can expect on the third day:
Feeding:
On the third day with your newborn, you'll continue to focus on feeding. Whether you're breastfeeding or formula feeding, your baby's nutritional needs are a top priority.
Breastfeeding:
If you're breastfeeding, you may notice that your milk supply is increasing, and you and your baby may be starting to get the hang of latching. If not, hang in there, breastfeeding is a learned skill for you and your baby. It can take time, practice and sometimes professional support. Continue to feed every 2-3 hours with the goal of 8 - 12 feeds in a 24-hour period. Your baby may want to eat more often and that is okay. Feed on demand and watch for hunger cues. Your baby's instincts are strong, and they'll let you know when it's time to eat. Continue to track feedings and output, watch for milk transfer, and use the Best Start Guide to ensure you are meeting the needed targets that let you know things are going well.
By day 3 (sometimes a little later), you may experience engorgement of your breasts as your milk supply begins to transition from colostrum to transitional milk and eventually mature milk. Signs of engorgement:
Breasts may feel swollen, full, or heavy.
Breasts may feel tender, warm, or sensitive to touch.
The feeling of engorgement lasts 24-36 hours for most people. During this time, removing milk from the breast during feedings will help you feel more comfortable so continue to feed on demand. Additionally, you can:
Use a warm compress or take a hot shower before feedings to soften your breasts and encourage milk flow.
Massage your breasts while nursing or pumping.
Hand express or pump a small amount of milk between feedings to relieve pressure.
Apply a cold compress to your breasts between feedings to help with swelling.
Take pain medications if advised by your care provider.
Formula feeding:
If you're formula feeding, you'll still be offering small, frequent feedings to your baby. You will still slowly be increasing the amount of formula that you are offering, and your care team should have provided you with a feeding plan and guidance on the correct amounts. Follow your baby’s cues for hunger and fullness. It's essential to follow the guidelines provided by your care team regarding formula type and feeding amounts and to continue to track your baby’s feedings and output.
Healing and Rest:
Your body is still in the process of healing. Be patient. Prioritize rest and nourishing your body. Recovery will continue much the same as you were doing the day before. Read our “Guide to the 4th Trimester” to learn more healing tricks and about the adjustment that both you and your baby are going through.
Infant Sleep: In these early days, you are probably finding that your newborn is sleeps a lot. At this stage of development, there is no rhyme or reason to when babies sleep, so trying to create a schedule will only lead to frustration. Your baby will wake every few hours to feed and have their diaper changed, and then likely go right back to sleep. Being a baby is hard work! While we can’t control when our newborn sleeps, we can practice healthy sleep hygiene right from the start. Understanding sleep cues and developmental stages that affect sleep can make for a much more rested baby and family. You can take our Newborn sleep education class or work with our Newborn specialist to create a plan that works for your family.
Bonding:
As you enter the third day, things may be starting to settle down. Encourage lots of skin-to skin contact with your newborn between feedings and take time to relax and soak in the last few days. For some parents, bonding with their newborn is easy and comes easily. For other parents, they may find that bonding takes more work and time. If you are struggling with feelings of attachment, know that that you are not alone. Sometimes talking with a professional can be helpful in navigating the complex feelings of parenthood.
Visitors: You may be feeling up for visitors on day 3 or, maybe you won't. Both options are completely normal and acceptable! Talk with your partner and be honest about if you want visitors and who you feel comfortable with during these early days. Remember, it is okay to ask for help and that is exactly what any visitors should be. A helping hand to support your recovery and adjustment to parenting. Read our post “Rules for Visiting a New Family” and feel free to share it with anyone who may be coming over.
Day 4 - Congratulations! You made it 3 days with your newborn. You are a superhero!
The first few days with a newborn can be overwhelming, but also incredibly rewarding. As you navigate this early period with your newborn, keep in mind that every baby is unique, and parenting is a learning process. Trust your instincts, seek help when needed, and be gentle with yourself as you and your baby bond and grow together. You're doing an amazing job! Remember to take care of yourself and allow yourself all the time you need to adjust to the life of parenting. It’s quite the ride!
Welcome Baby Co. is a Calgary-based company. We are happy to support all kinds of families through all kinds of birth and postpartum. Our goal is to prepare you for any scenario that may arise so that you can feel confident and empowered as you enter parenthood.
If you have any questions about Calgary birth doulas, Calgary postpartum doulas, breastfeeding support in Calgary or our Prenatal classes in Calgary, please contact us.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website/blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have.