Big goals in these early hours (and days)? Rest, heal, feed your baby, and get to know your little person. A basic understanding of a baby’s sleep, milk supply, and what nursing care may look like (or can offer you) will go a long way!

• They might be sleepy. This is often called the ‘birthday nap’ baby is awake and happy to eat after birth-and then they crash. When breastfeeding, you may have to wake them and/or it can be tough to get them to stay awake long enough to eat. Keep trying to feed that bay every couple of hours (or sooner if they show cues).
• Trust the colostrum. The amount of colostrum you may see in these first few days seems incredibly small. But it is so dense, and it is stacked with what the baby needs. For the vast majority, these smaller volumes are enough for them. You do want to be attempting to latch the baby every 2-1/2 hours or so (so yes, wake them). If they don’t wake up, try again 30 minutes later. If they aren’t latching at all, hand express, collect that colostrum, and feed them that via syringe.
• There are a lot of vital signs. At the hospital, it can feel really hard to get rest because nurses frequently in and out checking on you and your baby. Ask your RN to group care. This means they try to plan medications, vital signs, etc. (for you and baby) at the same time and otherwise stay out unless you call them for help.
• Don’t be a hero. Ask for help. Take pain meds if you’re wanting them. Tell your partner you need them to jump and do something. You are on the road to healing and it starts right away. Caring for yourself, managing your pain, and learning to say ‘help’ and ‘no’ (even in these early hours) matters so much for your own recovery and wellness post-birth.

Image source: Google

Image source: Google