.png)
The first few weeks with a newborn can be an exhilarating and, at times, overwhelming experience for new parents. It is a significant transition period where excitement is often balanced with fatigue and uncertainty. In this blog, we’ll explore tips to help mums prepare, what to expect in those early weeks, how to take care of yourself, ways to manage breastfeeding without undue pressure, and some helpful advice on managing visitors. This guide will be particularly helpful for first-time mums or anyone who needs a refresher as they embark on their journey with a newborn.
The First Few Weeks with Your Newborn: What to Expect
1. Sleep (or Lack Thereof!)
One of the biggest adjustments is coping with the unpredictability of your baby’s sleep schedule. Newborns sleep a lot—up to 16-18 hours a day—but typically only in short bursts of 2-3 hours. This means that as a parent, your sleep will be interrupted frequently.
2. Feeding Every 2-3 Hours
Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed, newborns need to be fed every 2-3 hours. For breastfeeding mums, this could mean around 8-12 sessions a day in the early stages. It's vital to stay hydrated and eat balanced meals to support your own energy needs while feeding your baby.
3. Diaper Changes, and Lots of Them!
Newborns usually have around 8-12 diaper changes per day, and the frequency often surprises new parents. It’s essential to have a well-stocked diaper changing station with wipes, diapers, diaper rash cream, and clean clothes nearby.
4. Learning to Interpret Your Baby’s Cues
During the first few weeks, you’ll start to learn your baby’s unique cries and body language. Whether they’re hungry, tired, or need a diaper change, these early interactions help you build a bond with your baby and better understand their needs.
Tips to Help Mum Prepare Before Baby’s Arrival
1. Stock Up on Essentials
Before the baby arrives, it's helpful to stock up on diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and any feeding supplies you might need, such as bottles or nursing bras. Prepping ahead can save you the stress of multiple trips to the store once your baby is born.
2. Set Up a Baby Area
Create a comfortable space in your home where the baby can sleep and where diaper changes and feedings can happen. This could be a designated nursery or a corner in your bedroom. Having everything organized and ready will make your transition smoother.
3. Prepare Freezer Meals
Cooking may become a challenge in the first few weeks, so having easy-to-reheat meals prepared can be a lifesaver. Batch cook and freeze nutritious meals like soups, stews, and casseroles that are quick to heat up when you're hungry but too tired to cook.
4. Pack Your Hospital Bag in Advance
It’s a good idea to pack your hospital bag a few weeks before your due date. Include essentials like clothes for you and the baby, toiletries, snacks, and any necessary paperwork.
Looking After Yourself: Self-Care Tips for New Mums
1. Rest When the Baby Sleeps
While it might sound cliché, resting when your baby sleeps can help you recharge. Sleep deprivation is a challenge for all new parents, so catching up on rest when possible can make a huge difference.
2. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
It’s easy to forget about your own needs when you’re focused on your baby. Make sure you drink plenty of water, especially if you’re breastfeeding, and have easy-to-grab snacks or small meals available to keep your energy levels up.
3. Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or even professionals. Whether it’s help with household chores, a meal train, or just having someone to talk to, surrounding yourself with support can make the early weeks less overwhelming.
4. Go Easy on Yourself
The first few weeks are all about learning and adjusting. There will be moments when things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself and remember that you’re doing your best.
Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself About Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be a wonderful way to bond with your baby, but it doesn’t always come easily. Some mums experience challenges like latching difficulties, low milk supply, or pain.
If breastfeeding isn’t working out right away, remember:
Seek Support – Lactation consultants can provide helpful guidance if you’re struggling.
Combination Feeding is Okay – Some mums choose to mix breastfeeding with formula feeding, and that's perfectly fine.
Fed is Best – At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your baby is well-fed and growing. Whether you breastfeed, pump, or formula feed, your baby will thrive as long as they are getting the nutrition they need.
Managing Visitors: Setting Boundaries
In the excitement of your baby’s arrival, friends and family will likely want to visit and meet your newborn. While their support can be invaluable, it’s also important to set boundaries and manage the flow of visitors.
1. Prioritise Rest and Recovery
It’s crucial to focus on your recovery and your baby’s needs in the first few weeks. Limit the number of visitors, and if you're not feeling up to it, don't hesitate to ask friends and family to postpone their visit.
2. Ask for Practical Help
If visitors insist on coming over, don’t hesitate to ask for help with household chores like cooking, cleaning, or even walking the dog. Most people are more than happy to help and would love to contribute in a meaningful way.
3. Set Time Limits
You can kindly let visitors know that while you’re excited to introduce your newborn, visits will need to be short. This helps prevent exhaustion and ensures you can return to caring for your baby.
4. Emphasize Health Precautions
Don’t feel awkward about asking visitors to wash their hands before holding the baby or to stay home if they’re feeling unwell. Your newborn’s health comes first, and most people will understand your concerns.
Additional Tips for New Parents
1. Babywearing
Babywearing is a wonderful way to keep your baby close while keeping your hands free to do other tasks. It can also help soothe a fussy baby, as being close to a parent can be incredibly comforting.
2. Skin-to-Skin Contact
In the early weeks, skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for both you and your baby. It helps regulate your baby’s body temperature and breathing and strengthens the bond between you both.
3. Postpartum Emotions
It’s normal to experience a range of emotions after giving birth, from joy to anxiety or even feelings of sadness. These feelings, often referred to as the “baby blues,” are common in the first two weeks. However, if you’re experiencing prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness, it’s important to reach out for help, as this could be a sign of postpartum depression.
4. Creating a Routine
While newborns aren’t on a strict schedule, creating a loose routine can help bring some order to your days. Focus on small routines, like a feeding, diapering, and napping cycle, and adjust as needed.
5. Stay Flexible
Plans will change. You may have imagined how you wanted certain things to go, but babies often have their own ideas. Flexibility is key to enjoying these early weeks without feeling overwhelmed.
And Dont Forget
The first few weeks with your newborn are filled with precious moments, learning curves, and emotional highs and lows. By preparing in advance, taking care of yourself, and not being too hard on yourself, you can make this time a little easier. Remember, there’s no one “right” way to do things—what matters most is that you and your baby are happy and healthy.
If you’re searching for more advice or have specific concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider, local parenting groups, or trusted friends and family.
Capture the Precious Early Days with Newborn Photography
One of the most beautiful ways to commemorate the first few weeks with your newborn photography is througha professional newborn photographer melbourne. These early days are fleeting, and capturing your baby’s tiny features, delicate expressions, and first moments in a timeless way allows you to preserve those memories forever. It’s important to schedule your newborn baby photoshoot melbourne within the first two weeks of your baby’s life, as this is when babies are still very sleepy and pose easily for those classic, peaceful newborn photos. Whether you’re opting for a posed session with creative themes or a more natural, lifestyle shoot, this is the perfect opportunity to document this magical chapter. For families in and around Melbourne, Alana Taylor Photography provides expert newborn photography with over 13 years of experience, creating stunning images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Alana Taylor Photography is a specialised Newborn and Baby Cake Smash Photographer Melbourne, my studio is located in Clyde servicing Melbourne and its surrounds. Due to my experience in Newborn Photography I am Melbourne's most highly sought after newborn and baby photographer. My experience, knowledge, patience and bubbly nature ensures happy clients and gorgeous photos to treasure. Alana Taylor Photography is a Professional Newborn and Baby Photographer who specialises in Newborn Photography, Maternity Photography, Baby and Kids Photography and Cake Smash Photographer Melbourne.
