Liquid Gold (Milk) & Sweet Dreams: The First 48 Hours
Your Guide to Life with a Brand New Tiny Human
The First 48 Hours Truth Bombs
Baby's tummy = Size of a cherry (really!)
Feeds = Tiny but frequent
Colostrum = Literal drops of gold
Sleep = In microscopic portions
What's Normal Right Now
Feed Amounts:
Day 1: 5-7ml per feed (think: droplets)
Day 2: 10-15ml per feed
Frequency: Every 2-3 hours or MORE
Duration: However long baby wants!
Signs Everything's Working
The Good Stuff:
Wet diaper count matches baby's age in days
Tiny satisfied sighs
Brief milk-drunk naps
Those adorable newborn stretches
Reality Check:
Baby wants to feed "constantly"
Your milk hasn't "come in" yet
Everything feels new
It's all perfectly normal
Common Day 1-2 Questions:
"Is baby getting enough?"
Yes, your baby is most likely getting exactly what they need! In these first few days, your baby's stomach is tiny - about the size of a cherry on day 1 and a walnut on day 3. They only need small amounts of colostrum at first. As long as we're seeing wet and dirty diapers and your baby is feeding regularly, they're getting what they need. Our night nurses are expertly trained to monitor feeding patterns and will let you know if there's ever any concern.
"When will my milk come in?"
Your milk typically comes in between days 2-5 after birth. Right now, your baby is getting nutrient-rich colostrum, which is exactly what they need! You'll likely notice when your milk comes in - your breasts might feel fuller and firmer. Don't worry, our night nurses have years of experience supporting moms through this transition and can help you recognize the signs.
"Why won't baby stop feeding?"
This is completely normal and actually really good! Frequent feeding in these early days helps establish your milk supply and is your baby's way of learning to feed effectively. It's also how they tell your body how much milk to make. Remember, cluster feeding is very common in newborns. Our night nurses can help you establish feeding patterns and give you breaks when you need them.
"Is this normal?"
Almost always, yes! Newborns can do lots of things that seem unusual but are perfectly normal - like making funny noises, having irregular breathing patterns, or wanting to feed frequently.
Our experienced night nurses have seen it all and can help explain what's normal newborn behavior. If something ever isn't normal, we'll let you know right away. That's why you have us - we're here to give you peace of mind and expert guidance through these early days.
Remember:
These first days are about learning
Your colostrum is enough
Baby's tummy is TINY
You're both figuring this out
Pro Tip: Track wet diapers, not ounces. Mother Nature knows what she's doing!
Your Early Days Mantras:
"Drops are enough"
"We're learning together"
"This phase is so short"
"Help is okay to ask for"
P.S. If you're reading this in the middle of your first night, surrounded by feeding pillows and uncertainty – you're doing amazing! 💫
Remember: Your body and baby are perfectly designed for each other. Trust the process (and ask for help when needed!) 🤱
