The First 48 Hours Home

Bringing your newborn home from the hospital is an incredible milestone in your life, filled with joy, wonder, and a touch of uncertainty. At Bay City Doulas, we understand that the first 48 hours at home with your newborn can be exciting and challenging. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed insights into what to expect during this crucial time, including physical and hormonal changes for the birthing person, sleep challenges, and feeding difficulties. We hope you enjoy this week’s blog, the first 48 hours home.

Preparing for the first 48 hours home

At Bay City Doulas, we are all about preparation! This doesn’t mean buying every fancy baby gadget on the market but solidifying what sets up families for success postpartum. Here are some of our top recommendations.

1. Set up your support system beforehand- Support systems will look different for everyone. It can be greatly beneficial to hire the professional help of a postpartum doula for the first days home, as this is when all of the questions come up! Regardless of your support system, ensure you have people and resources in your corner to call upon if you need them. Set up feeding and diapering stations- Regardless of how you will feed your baby, having multiple feeding stations around the house can be greatly beneficial, especially in the early days when your body is healing. We recommend having at least two stations in your house set with snacks, a feeding pillow, water, burp clothes, and anything else you need to be comfortable.
2. Make sure you have all your meals ready– This is crucial! It is so important to have all of your food ready and easily accessible, at least for the first three days at home. There are many different ways to achieve this, including meal prepping and freezing meals, setting up a meal train, ordering food from a local delivery service, like milky oat, or ordering takeout.

The First 48 Hours: A Deeper Look

During the initial 48 hours at home, the focus typically is on providing the best care for a newborn while caring for the birthing person’s physical and emotional needs. Here’s a more in-depth breakdown of what to expect:

For the Birthing Person:

Physical Changes: The birthing person’s body will undergo significant physical changes postpartum. Expect vaginal bleeding (lochia) for several weeks, as well as uterine contractions, as the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size. Additionally, soreness and perineal discomfort are common after vaginal delivery, while Cesarean section recovery may involve abdominal pain. Ensure that the birthing person has access to comfortable clothing and personal hygiene items to aid in their recovery.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can impact mood and emotions. The birthing person may experience the “baby blues,” characterized by mood swings, tearfulness, and anxiety. These feelings are usually temporary but should be discussed with a healthcare provider if they persist. Encourage open communication and emotional support from partners, family, and friends.

For Your Newborn:

Sleep Challenges: Newborns sleep a lot, but their sleep patterns can be erratic. Expect your baby to wake frequently for feedings during the night. To cope with sleep deprivation, establish a soothing bedtime routine and consider taking turns with your partner for night feedings and diaper changes. Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping the room dark and noise levels low during nighttime feedings.

Feeding Difficulties: Feeding your newborn is a top priority and can be challenging. Breastfeeding can be particularly demanding as both you and your baby are learning. Seek assistance from a lactation consultant if you encounter issues. Formula feeding may also present challenges, such as finding the right formula for your baby’s needs. Remember that it’s normal for newborns to have small, frequent feedings, and this will gradually change as they grow.

Tools and Support Systems

To make your life easier during this period, consider these tools and support systems:

1. Baby Apps: Downloading baby tracking apps can help you keep track of feedings, diaper changes, and sleep patterns. They can also provide valuable insights into your baby’s development.

2. Online Communities: Joining online parenting forums or groups allows you to connect with other new parents who are experiencing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and advice can be reassuring.

3. Professional Help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, seek professional help. Postpartum doulas and therapists can provide invaluable support and guidance.

Tying it all together

Bringing your newborn home is a beautiful and challenging journey, filled with physical and emotional changes for both the birthing person and the baby. By preparing your home, knowing what to expect, seeking support, and using helpful tools and support systems, you can navigate the first 48 hours with confidence and ease.

Remember that every baby is unique, and asking for help and advice when needed is okay.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with our experienced postpartum doulas, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.

Thank you for reading this weeks’ blog, ” The first 48 Hours Home.” For more tips and tricks on all things pregnancy,postpartum, and parenthood, click here!