The first 24 hours after birth: what to expect and how to prepare

The first day after birth mixes relief with tiredness and brand-new feelings. Knowing roughly what may happen can help you meet it more calmly. Every birth and every hospital works a little differently, so this is a general outline.

Skin-to-skin contact and the first hour

If your baby is well, they are usually placed on your chest soon after birth. This contact can help the baby stay warm, settle and get ready to suckle. After a caesarean, or when the baby needs extra observation, the timing may differ; your partner or another close person can also offer skin-to-skin contact.

During the first hour many babies are alert and curious, and then fall into a long sleep. That is a natural rhythm.

The first feed

A baby's sucking reflex is often strong in the first hours. If you plan to breastfeed, your midwife or nurse can stay with you for the first latch, so do ask for help. The small amount of early milk (colostrum) is enough for tiny stomachs. See the Guide article on starting breastfeeding for more.

Bleeding, pads and pain

Bleeding from the womb after birth is called lochia. In the first hours and days it can be red and heavier than a period, and small clots may appear. The hospital usually provides large pads. As the womb contracts you may feel cramp-like pains, which can get stronger while feeding.

Tell your team plainly if you need better pain relief for stitches or a caesarean wound. Pain control is part of healing.

First urine and toilet trips

You are generally expected to pass urine within the first six to eight hours, and the team may keep track. As your body clears extra fluid you may sweat and urinate more. Many people feel nervous about the first bowel movement; fluids, fibre and gentle movement as advised by your doctor can help. Have someone with you the first time you stand up, as dizziness can happen.

The baby's first checks

In the first days your baby is measured, examined and recorded. Your doctor or midwife will explain routine procedures, vaccines and screening tests, and when each one is done; feel free to ask. See the Guide article on newborn screening for general information.

Questions to ask before going home

1. When and where will the baby and I be checked?
2. Who can I contact if feeding is difficult?
3. Which screenings and vaccines were done, and which come later?
4. In which situations should I call you about bleeding or pain?
5. How should I care for stitches or my wound?
6. What do I need to do for the baby's registration and paperwork?

Writing the questions down is very helpful on a tired day.

Feelings and rest

On the first day, joy, amazement, tiredness and even tears can all appear together. Hormones change quickly, so such swings are very common and are often most noticeable in the first days. When you can, rest while your baby sleeps, and give people who offer help concrete tasks (bringing water, putting the baby in the cot). For more on mood, see the Guide article on baby blues.

When to contact your doctor

• Very heavy bleeding (for example soaking a pad within an hour) or large, continuing clots: call 112 (in Turkey) or your local emergency number straight away.
• High fever, shivering or foul-smelling discharge.
• Dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath or chest pain.
• A headache that does not go away and keeps getting worse, or blurred vision.
• The baby not feeding, being very sleepy, or showing a change in colour or breathing.

Frequently asked questions

Should I worry if my baby sleeps a lot on day one? Long sleep after the first hours is common; still, follow your team's guidance on feeding and wet nappies.

Do I have to accept visitors on the first day? No. Making space to rest and feed is your right.

This article is for information only; your doctor's and midwife's advice for your own situation comes first.