Your first few weeks with a newborn, what to expect

These first weeks are the ones I am invited into most, often in families' living rooms in the early days, and they are a huge adjustment. In my experience the parents who find their feet quickest are the ones who ask for help early and are gentle with themselves. This guide is a calm overview of what to expect, from feeding and skin to skin to jaundice, nappies, safe sleep and your own recovery. Each section links to a fuller guide if you want to read more.

Feeding in the early days

Newborns feed little and often, usually at least eight to twelve times in twenty four hours, and often in bursts. This is exactly how it is meant to be. Frequent feeding builds your milk supply and suits your baby's tiny tummy. Feeding on demand, whenever your baby shows early cues such as stirring, rooting or bringing their hands to their mouth, is the best way to keep your baby content and your supply strong.

You can read more in Is my baby getting enough milk and How often should a newborn feed.

Colostrum, your baby's first milk

In the first days your body makes colostrum, a thick, golden first milk that is small in amount and rich in antibodies. A newborn's tummy is tiny, so those few drops are exactly enough. Some parents also collect colostrum by hand before birth, with their midwife's go-ahead, so they have a little store ready. Read more in Collecting colostrum.

Skin to skin and the golden hour

Holding your baby skin to skin, especially in the first hour after birth, helps them settle into the world. It steadies their temperature, heart rate and breathing, calms you both, and supports that first feed. It is not just for birth either. Skin to skin helps throughout the early weeks, for you and your partner. Read more in Skin to skin and the golden hour.

Jaundice

Many newborns develop a yellow tinge to their skin and the whites of their eyes in the first week. This is jaundice, and it is usually harmless and settles on its own, helped by feeding well and often. Sometimes it needs checking or treating, so it is worth knowing the signs. Read more in What is jaundice.

Nappies and output

What goes in comes out, and your baby's nappies are one of the clearest signs that feeding is going well. Their stools change from black and sticky to green and then to soft and yellow over the first week, and wet nappies increase day by day. Keeping an eye on output is more reassuring than watching the clock.

Safe sleep

Newborns sleep a lot, in short stretches around the clock. Following the safer sleep advice from the NHS and the Lullaby Trust lowers the risk of sudden infant death and helps you feel confident about where and how your baby sleeps. Read more in Safe sleep for your baby.

Your own recovery

Your body has been through a great deal, whether you had a straightforward birth or a caesarean. Rest when you can, eat and drink well, accept help, and give yourself the same care you are giving your baby. Your midwife and health visitor are there for you as well as your baby, so tell them honestly how your physical and mental health are.

How a consultation helps

Most of my work happens exactly here, in the early weeks, often at your kitchen table or on your sofa with a days-old baby. If feeding is not going the way you hoped, or you simply want reassurance, an unhurried assessment at home can make all the difference. I watch a full feed, check your baby is latching and transferring milk well, weigh them if that would help, and make sure you are supported too, not just your baby. You will have a clear picture of where things stand, and a plan.