Real Talk - The First Week as a New Mom

You can prep the nursery, fold tiny clothes, and pack the most Pinterest-perfect hospital bag—but nothing truly prepares you for that first week home with your newborn.

I remember bringing Emma home and thinking, now what? It was a mix of exhaustion, awe, anxiety, and survival mode. Even with everything I knew, there were still so many surprises.

So in case no one tells you, here’s what that first week really looks like—and a few tips to help you through it.

🍼 1. You Will Question Everything 

From the color of baby’s poop to how long they nap, it’s totally normal to feel unsure. You might find yourself Googling everything—then second-guessing what you read.

✨ Reminder: Trust your instincts. You’re not supposed to know it all right away.

🧼 2. The Hormone Crash is REAL 

No one prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster. One minute I was staring at Emma in total bliss, the next I was crying over spilled water.

💡 Tip: It’s normal to feel teary, overwhelmed, and raw. Lean on someone you trust and talk to your provider if anything feels off.

🍽️ 3. You Need Snacks Everywhere 

I wasn’t hungry... until I was ravenous. Between nursing, healing, and running on fumes, I needed quick, one-handed snacks 24/7.

📌 Tip: Keep nut packs, bars, fruit pouches, and oatmeal bites near your bed, couch, and nursing chair.

Bonus: store lactation snacks in a bathroom or bedside mini fridge.

😴 4. Sleep Deprivation Feels Like Jet Lag + a Hangover 

You will sleep—but in weird, choppy stretches. Even if baby sleeps, your brain might still be on high alert.

🛏️ Tip: Don’t pressure yourself to nap when baby naps. Instead, protect rest wherever you can: even lying down with your eyes closed helps.

🧺 5. Laundry Happens Constantly (But Not for You) 

Baby’s laundry piles up fast—blowouts, spit-up, leaks. Yours? You might be in the same sweatshirt for three days.

🌞 Hack: Breastfed baby poop stains? Wash and lay them in the sun. It works like magic.

🤱 6. Feeding Is a Full-Time Job 

Feeding takes over your day—and night. Whether you're nursing or bottle feeding, it feels non-stop.

🪑 Tip: Set up a comfy, stocked feeding station.

Think: water bottle, snacks, burp cloths, charger, nipple cream, and something to binge-watch.

💡 7. You Will Learn Fast (Even if You Feel Clueless at First) 

The first few days feel like boot camp. But you’ll be amazed how quickly you pick things up—like reading baby’s cues, diapering with one hand, or soothing them mid-scream.

📣 Give yourself credit. You’re doing better than you think.

🧴 8. Your Body Is Still Very Much in Recovery 

Just because you’re home doesn’t mean you’re healed. Your body is still bleeding, sore, stretched, and adjusting.

💗 Tip: Take it slow. Rest when possible, hydrate constantly, and don’t lift anything heavier than your baby.

📸 9. You May Feel Disconnected from Your Baby (And That’s Okay) 

Bonding isn’t always instant. I felt a deep sense of responsibility, but it took time for the warm, fuzzy emotions to catch up.

👶 Truth: Love grows. You’re building a relationship—and that’s allowed to take time.

📦 10. Your Support System Matters More Than Your Baby Gear 

The people who showed up for me meant more than anything on my baby registry.

🏡 Accept help. Let someone drop off a meal, do your dishes, or hold the baby while you shower.

💬 Final Thoughts 

That first week isn’t easy—but you’re not doing it wrong just because it feels hard. Every mom goes through some version of “What the heck am I doing?”

Give yourself grace. Breathe. You were made for this—even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

💕 You’ve got this, Mama.

Thanks for letting me share a little piece of my journey with you.
~ Joanna + baby Emma
🧶 Emma’s Little Corner

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⚠️ Disclaimer

I’m a certified health coach and have been in the health and wellness industry for over 20 years. I’m also a mom sharing from real-life experience. However, I am not a doctor, nurse, or licensed medical provider. The information in this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and should never replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any medical or health-related decisions for yourself or your baby.

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