Your baby is finally here! These are the next steps after your little one makes their grand arrival
You’ve planned, prepared, nested and celebrated. Now, your little one has finally arrived! After the rush of joy and initial bonding time has come and gone, you may be left wondering what comes next.
Having a baby is a whirlwind, and those hours, days, and months after their birth can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re a first-time mom. If you just had a baby, here are a few things you should focus on moving forward.
Rest and recover
Your body just did something truly incredible. Now is the time to really take it easy! As challenging as it may be with a new baby to care for, prioritize your own rest and recovery. Doing so will allow you to be there fully for your family. Take up offers from friends and family to help around the house, cook meals, or just provide general support (make sure they’re healthy and up-to-date on vaccines, though!)
If you’ve had a vaginal delivery, you’ll need 6 weeks minimum of initial recovery time. It’s 8 weeks if you’ve had a C-section. And keep in mind that most medical professionals will prohibit driving for 2 weeks, so stock up on essentials before the big day.
Skin-to-skin time
Skin-to-skin time with your baby is crucial. It stabilizes your baby’s breathing, heart rate, and temperature, calms them down, and can even reduce postpartum issues for mama. Be sure to focus on lots of newborn baby cuddles in these days after their birth (we’re pretty certain we won’t have to remind you).
Feeding
Your baby’s body is already working very hard! They need a lot of feeding at first, even if it’s in relatively small amounts. The general suggestion is a feeding every 1-3 hours, including overnight.
You’ll want to make note of what times you feed your baby so you can stick to a solid schedule. There are tons of apps that can do it for you, but your doctor may also provide you with a chart. Even if they don’t, you can just use good, old fashioned pen and paper.
If you delivered in a hospital, expect frequent interruptions
Yes, you’ll need lots of rest after delivery. That being said, your medical team will need to keep checking in on you frequently — even in the middle of the night. There’s good reason though, as many serious health issues can pop up after childbirth (and you may not even be aware they’re happening).
Doctors and nurses will also need to run some tests on your baby, including a hearing test and blood test, and give them their very first bath!
Be prepared for doctors, nurses, social workers, and other hospital staff to enter your room a lot. Remember, their job is to ensure you’re healthy (and your baby, too!)
Schedule your first pediatrician’s appointment
You baby will need to visit the doctor very soon after their arrival. Expect to make your first appointment 2-3 days after you’re discharged. It’s best to decide on a pediatrician before your baby is born, so you can know exactly who to call for the appointment.
Even if you haven’t made that decision, oftentimes the hospital will provide a list of recommended practitioners for you to choose from.
Fill out paperwork
Once your baby is here, they’ll need a birth certificate and social security card. Hospital staff will provide you with the appropriate documents and submit them on your behalf. This is a great job for your partner or your baby’s other parent to take on!
After a few weeks, you’ll receive an official birth certificate and social security card in the mail.
Call your insurance
You’ll want to get your baby on your insurance plan right away, to avoid any complications at your first well visit. Make note of your insurance company’s phone number before your due date, and give them a call after your baby is born. They’ll add your child’s name to your insurance plan and send you new cards.
Be aware of postpartum issues
Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety (PPA) is incredibly common. Be aware of your mental state in the days, weeks, and months after your baby’s birth, and if you need it, reach out to your medical team for help. They should check in periodically as the days, weeks, and months pass, but don’t hesitate to contact them at any time.
You’ll also need to be aware of physical issues, like infections or mastitis (if you choose to breastfeed). If you’re in a lot of pain or discomfort, don’t wait until your 6-week postpartum appointment. Call your OB/GYN right away.