The first week at home is a blend of recovery, emotional shifts, and learning your newborn’s rhythm. Your body is working hard: the uterus continues contracting, bleeding decreases, milk production adjusts, and hormones fluctuate. Fatigue, hunger, shakiness, or warmth are normal.

Newborn rhythms are irregular. Most babies feed 8–12 times per day, sometimes more, which stabilizes blood sugar, regulates temperature, and strengthens bonding. Sleep occurs in short stretches of 1–3 hours. Newborns make noises, move frequently, and cycle through light sleep — all completely normal.

Evening fussiness is common. Babies may want to feed or be held constantly for hours. Skin-to-skin, babywearing, movement, or a partner holding the baby can help.

For the birthing parent, rest, pain relief, and nourishment are crucial. Afterpains, tender breasts, swelling, or overall exhaustion are expected. Regular pain medication and rest support healing.

Emotionally, the week can be intense. Baby blues around day 3–5 are normal. Tearfulness, sensitivity, and worry reflect hormonal changes, not personal failure.

Alma’s tips

• Sleep when the baby sleeps — recovery comes first.

• Use skin-to-skin often.

• Eat and hydrate regularly to support healing.

• Ask for help — newborn life is not meant to be handled alone.