The birth is over, and now that you're home, the postpartum period may feel different than expected—especially if it's your first child. Know that the idea of being on cloud nine is a myth. While you may feel happy and in love with your baby, you are also tired and recovering. Hormone levels drop quickly in the first 48 hours after birth.

Be kind to yourself

Both physically and emotionally, a lot is changing. You and your baby are getting to know each other, and breastfeeding, in particular, can demand a lot of energy in the beginning. Take it easy, and don’t hesitate to postpone visits if you’re not feeling up to it.

Rest during the first weeks

The most important thing during the first two weeks is rest—for both your body and your mind. Expect to spend most of the time feeding your baby and taking naps. A newborn has a small stomach, so they need to be fed every 2-4 hours.

When does the maternity care assistant visit?

During the first week, the maternity care assistant will be there to support you. You'll be recovering physically and coming to terms with the fact that you now have a child—it’s an amazing but overwhelming time! The nights are often restless for the first six weeks, so you’ll be tired during the day. Make sure your fridge is stocked, and if friends ask how they can help, ask them to do groceries or cook meals.

Useful information (in Dutch)

Day one

The birth may not have gone exactly as expected, but you did it! Your baby is here, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of. Life goes on after your baby’s arrival!

You need time to recover from giving birth

ometimes, you’ll need to stay in the hospital a bit longer. Get cozy in bed and take this time to rest. After giving birth, you’re likely filled with adrenaline, making sleep difficult, but resting in bed is still helpful. Urinating may sting, with or without stitches, and you’ll also experience significant blood loss in the first day (similar to a heavy period). Often, the most comfortable way to pee is in the shower.

In the first 24 hours, your baby will likely start feeding from your breast a few times. This is a new experience for both of you, and it takes some time to get used to.

It seemed so simple for other women…

Try not to stress. Your baby is newly born and had all their nutrients from the umbilical cord before birth. Keep your baby close and let them get your scent. Learning to latch onto the breast takes time. When your baby is hungry, they will search for your nipple, and the more your nipple is shaped, the easier it becomes for them to latch on.

If you’re bottle-feeding, your baby will take about 10 milliliters per feeding.

It’s ideal for your baby to feed about 4 times in the first 24 hours, whether breast or bottle. They don’t need to pee yet, but by the end of the first 24 hours, they should have had their first bowel movement, which will be black and sticky (meconium).

Day two

Most babies sleep quite well on their first night, though you and your partner might not.

What to expect from the first night

Your baby makes little murmurs and strange sounds, and their breathing is more shallow than ours. Changing and dressing your baby might feel awkward—what’s the front, and what’s the back again? Take it easy, don’t stress, you’re not doing it wrong.

After the first 24 hours, you’ll notice your baby wanting to feed more often, whether breast or bottle (today, about 20 ml per feed). Now that they’ve rested, the aim is for them to feed every 3-4 hours for about 15 minutes on each breast, so both are stimulated. You may not notice much change in your breasts yet, but small amounts of colostrum are coming through, and that’s exactly what’s needed!

Your baby should feed from your breast at least 6 times in 24 hours for a minimum of 10 minutes each time.

Your baby is likely also able to urinate now, and you might see some pinkish ‘powder’ in the nappy. These are urates, which are normal during the first week.

The motherly instinct

Books often describe a ‘motherly instinct’ that appears instantly after birth, but in reality, it’s different for everyone. Being a mother is just as hard to define as being an adult—it’s a gradual process. It may take some time to fully grasp that this little baby is yours, and they’re here to stay.

Day three

Ok. It's getting tough now. Your baby is asking to breastfeed more frequently, as they’re starting to get really hungry, but the breastfeeding has yet to fully establish itself. This is perfectly normal. You may start to feel your breasts swell (engorgement).

Tip: Wear one or even two bras to give your breasts extra support.

Your baby wants to feed more often

Latching is getting easier, but now your little one wants to feed every two hours. Help! The adrenaline that’s kept you alert is wearing off, and you’re starting to feel the stitches (if you have any). Doubts may arise—am I producing enough milk? Why did I want to breastfeed again? Remind yourself that this is a normal phase. By tomorrow, your milk supply will be well underway, and your baby will be weighed.

Working together during the postpartum period

Your partner may feel a bit helpless since feeding is mostly your task. Let go of household chores and ask your partner to handle them. They’re tired too. If possible, try to nap together when you can.

Your baby’s poo has changed from black to dark green, and they’re urinating at least twice a day. If you’re bottle-feeding, your baby is now drinking 30 ml per feed.

Don’t forget: Your baby needs to be officially registered with the municipality by today.

Day four

This is often the toughest day. If you're breastfeeding, you’re likely at the peak of engorgement. Your baby might struggle to latch properly because your breasts are so full.

The baby blues

You're feeling more emotional than expected. Why didn’t anyone warn you? You feel emotional, tired, and tense. Several times a day, you might feel closer to tears than laughter. As a new mother, you want to get everything right, but that’s impossible to achieve all at once.

Take your rest

Sleep is incredibly important. The maternity nurse will weigh your baby, and it’s normal for babies to lose up to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days. If breastfeeding is still difficult, you might need to express milk to help stimulate production and give yourself a bit of a break.

Day five

Suddenly, everything seems to be going much better. Your breasts are no longer as firm, your baby is latching more easily, and feeds are going smoothly. However, feeding for 15 minutes on each breast is no longer necessary—your baby seems full after just one breast. You might notice small amounts of milk coming back up, and it’s yellow! Your baby’s poop has now changed to a brown-yellow colour, and they are peeing more frequently.

Changes in the umbilical cord

The little piece of umbilical cord still attached to your baby is drying out and may start to smell a bit. This is completely normal. Try to keep the cord outside of the diaper so it can dry faster and eventually fall off.

Comfortable recovery

If you had stitches, we’ll remove the visible ones during our home visit. They've done their job, and although they’re dissolvable, they can become itchy and tight, so removing them will help you feel more comfortable.

Day six

On this day, you may suddenly find it easier to get some deep sleep.

A moment of relief

Although your baby still needs to feed every 3-4 hours, the feeding sessions are becoming shorter. You’re getting to know each other better, and you’re starting to feel a bit more like yourself. Bowel movements also often happen on this day (or earlier).

The first check-ups

After registering your baby with the municipality, a notification is sent to the child health clinic. They often visit on this day to perform the heel prick and hearing test.

Day seven

Time has flown by! The first week has come to an end, and you might be eager to see something other than the inside of your home. How about a short walk?

Going outside for the first time

Taking your baby outside for the first time is never a problem as long as they are snug and comfortable in the pram. You might feel a bit wobbly and weak during your first outing, but there’s no need to rush. You've made it through the first week, and things will only get easier from here. You and your partner are becoming the experts on your baby!

What to expect during the postpartum period