Welcome to the world, little one! The first 24 hours after your baby is born are exhilarating, emotional, and packed with new experiences—not just for your newborn baby but also for you. Read on for guidance on what to expect during these initial hours and how to navigate them carefully and confidently.
Immediate Post-Birth Moments
As soon as your baby arrives, the healthcare team will conduct a few important checks to ensure your baby’s well-being. The first thing you might hear is your baby’s first cry; this powerful moment is also a critical one, as it helps clear any residual fluid in the airways.
Newborns are then given a quick physical examination on the mother’s chest, fostering immediate skin-to-skin contact that enhances bonding and helps stabilise the baby’s heartbeat and temperature. During this period, the medical team will conduct the Apgar score assessment to evaluate your newborn’s colour, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and breathing effort at one and five minutes post-birth.
Feeding Your Newborn
Breastfeeding is encouraged as soon as possible after birth. Most healthy newborns are able to breastfeed within the first hour. This aids in building an emotional connection between you and your baby and is crucial for initiating milk production. It also provides your newborn with colostrum, which is rich in nutrients and antibodies.
Initial Tests and Screenings
Your newborn will undergo a series of routine screenings within the first few hours. These include a hearing test to screen for metabolic disorders. The medical team will also check your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference to establish baselines for future growth assessments.
First Rest and Sleep
After the initial flurry of activity, your baby will likely have their first period of sleep. Newborns typically sleep a lot—about 16 to 17 hours a day— but in short bursts of two to three hours. This is a perfect time for parents to rest as well.
Observation and Care
Throughout the first 24 hours, the hospital staff will monitor your baby for any signs of difficulty breathing, jaundice, feeding problems, or overall alertness. Parents can also learn how to handle diapers and care for their newborns with the nursing staff’s guidance.
Emotional Support
Finally, it is essential to recognise the emotional whirlwind that accompanies childbirth. Feelings of joy, fear, love, and sometimes overwhelm can all happen, which is perfectly normal. Take this time to seek support from the medical team, family, and friends.
The first 24 hours after your baby’s birth are a journey of bonding and learning. As your paediatrician, Dr Vahed is here to support you every step, ensuring you and your baby have a safe and joyful start to your new life together.