So, You’ve Just Had a Baby
Let’s be real, nothing (and I mean nothing) can fully prepare you for life after bringing a baby home. It’s beautiful, yes. But also overwhelming, chaotic, and more than a little sticky.
You might wonder, “Am I doing this right?” multiple times a day.
Guess what? That’s normal.
This guide is for you, the bleary-eyed mom holding a swaddled baby at 3:17 a.m., Googling “is it normal if newborn hiccups a lot?” You’re not alone.
Let’s walk through the real stuff that makes those first few weeks a little easier.
1. Newborn Sleep: The Myths, Mayhem & Miracles
Ah, sleep. Remember that? Neither do most new parents.
Here’s the thing: newborns aren’t wired like us. They wake frequently, every 2 to 4 hours, because their tiny tummies can’t hold much milk. Normal. Some babies will sleep more during the day than at night for the first few weeks.
What Helps:
- Keep night feeds low-key: dim lights, no eye contact, soft voices
- Use white noise (think: womb sounds)
- Safe sleep setup only: flat, firm mattress + back sleeping + no blankets or toys
Pro tip: Sleep when the baby sleeps? Sure, if you can. But if the laundry mountain is giving you anxiety, fold a few onesies and then lie down. It still counts.
2. Feeding: Breast, Bottle, Both, Whatever Works for You
Feeding your baby isn’t just about food; it’s about connection, learning, and yes, sometimes frustration.
If you’re breastfeeding, latch issues, cluster feeding, and sore nipples can make it feel harder than you imagined. And that’s okay.
If you’re bottle-feeding or combo-feeding: sterilising bottles, prepping formula, and tracking ounces becomes your new normal.
Things No One Tells You:
- Cluster feeding = baby eating constantly for hours. It’s normal. It passes.
- Newborns can gulp, spit, and make very dramatic faces while feeding. All part of the show.
- You might cry during feeding. From exhaustion, pain, or joy. Or all three.
You’re feeding your baby. You’re doing great.
3. Diapering: A Crash Course in Poop Patterns
Let’s talk diapers, because your newborn will go through 10 to 12 a day. Yes, you read that right.
In the early weeks, expect:
- Black tar poop (meconium) in the first couple of days
- Mustard-yellow seedy poop for breastfed babies
- Slightly greenish, pasty poop for formula-fed ones
Quick tip: If your baby’s pee or poop output slows down, especially in the first few days, check in with your paediatrician. Hydration is key.
And yes, diaper rash will happen at some point. Keep a good barrier cream on hand (think zinc oxide) and give their bum some air time now and then.
4. Crying: Why It Happens and What You Can Do
Let’s just say it, newborns cry. A lot.
It’s their only way of talking. They cry because they’re:
- Hungry
- Tired
- Wet
- Overstimulated
- Bored
- Gassy
- or just figuring things out
Here’s what helps:
- Swaddle + shush + sway (the holy trinity of soothing)
- Warm baths
- Gripe water or gas drops (ask your doc first)
- Skin-to-skin snuggles (your chest is their safe place)
Sometimes, nothing works. That’s okay. Step away for a minute, breathe, and come back. Crying won’t break them, but your calm helps ground them.
5. Baby Bath Time Basics (Hint: Not Daily!)
Surprise, newborns don’t need daily baths. Too much bathing can dry out their delicate skin.
Newborn bath tips:
- Sponge baths until the umbilical stump falls off (usually 1–2 weeks)
- Water only or mild baby cleanser
- Wash their hair once or twice a week
- Lotion up afterwards to lock in moisture
Bonus tip: Bathtime can help your baby sleep, especially if you do it around the same time each evening.
6. Baby Gear: What You Need
Let’s be honest, baby aisles can be overwhelming. Do you need a wipes warmer or a diaper pail that plays music?
What you do need:
- A safe car seat (rear-facing, properly installed)
- A baby carrier or wrap (so you can, you know, pee)
- A swaddle or two
- A decent thermometer
- Burp cloths (like, a lot)
Everything else? Optional. Borrow, thrift, or skip altogether. Your love is the most expensive thing they need.
7. Managing Visitors: Boundaries Are a Form of Love
People mean well. But they might show up unannounced, ask to hold the baby right after sneezing, or give unsolicited advice on sleep training at 3 days old.
It’s okay to say:
- “We’re keeping visits short for now.”
- “Please wash your hands.”
- “We’re not ready for visitors yet, but we’ll let you know.”
You’re not being rude. You’re protecting your peace. And your baby.
8. Your Healing Body (Yes, That Matters Too)
You just grew and birthed a human. So yeah, your body is going through a lot.
Expect:
- Bleeding (lochia) for a few weeks
- Sore everything
- Emotional ups and downs (baby blues are common, but watch for signs of postpartum depression)
Don’t wait to ask for help. From your OB, your partner, your mom, your group chat. You matter, too.
9. The Emotional Side of Motherhood: It’s a Rollercoaster
One minute you’re sobbing over a diaper commercial. The next, you’re staring at your baby thinking, “How did I get so lucky?”
That’s motherhood. Raw, wild, beautiful, and confusing.
You’ll second-guess yourself. You’ll learn as you go. But every burp, every midnight feed, every “first”, you’re doing the thing. You’re mothering.
And honestly? That’s everything.
10. When to Call the Paediatrician (And When Not To Panic)
You’ll wonder about every sneeze. Every rash. Every hiccup.
Some reasons to call:
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) in a newborn
- Not eating or feeding poorly for several feeds in a row
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers a day after the first week
- Breathing that looks hard (grunting, flaring nostrils, sucking in ribs)
Also, trust your gut. If something feels off, you don’t need a perfect reason to call.
A Quick Word for the Dads, Partners & Support Squad
This article says “new moms,” but hey, support systems matter. Dads, partners, friends: check in, step up, hold space.
Bring water, change diapers, do laundry, and don’t forget to take photos of mom with the baby. She needs to be in the memories, too.
Final Thoughts: You’re Already Doing So Much Better Than You Think
There’s no single way to parent perfectly, but there are a million ways to love deeply.
So whether you’re surviving on coffee and crumbs or crushing it with colour-coded baby logs, you’re doing a beautiful job.
Give yourself grace.
Take a nap.
Eat the cookie.
Hold your baby.
And hold yourself, too.
