Childbed: tips for the first few days with a baby

Treat yourself and the baby to rest in childbirth

The baby is here and everyone is over the moon – that includes grandmas, grandpas, aunts and friends. Please do not feel obliged to present your baby to all family members or the entire circle of acquaintances within the first few days. In the first few days after the birth, take time just for you and your baby. You and your partner also need time to grow together as a small family. Therefore, in the first few days:

• The needs of you and your baby have priority.
• The first time with two or three is important for bonding – i.e. the close relationship between the parents and the baby. Too many visitors can be disruptive.
• It’s perfectly fine to withdraw and shut down for the first few days or weeks.
• Conversely, this also means that if you feel fit enough and your baby is relaxed, you can have visitors at any time. Make sure, however, that not too many people come to “baby watch” at once. This can quickly become exhausting for the little one (and for you).  

Postpartum bed tips for the time after the birth: This is allowed

It is not without reason that the term childbed includes the word “bed”. The young mother should recover from the hardships of childbirth and concentrate fully on the baby. Therefore, it is perfectly fine if your main occupations are limited to resting and sleeping at first. Of course, a walk is also allowed and even recommended. Fresh air is always good.

If you feel fit enough again after a few days, you can also plan other activities for yourself – for example meeting up with a friend, pursuing a hobby or going to the hairdresser or beautician. Just do what is good for you.

Breastfeeding needs to be learned

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it too has to be learned – both by the baby and by yourself. First things first: don’t put yourself under pressure. Your body does this wonderfully and the baby will quickly get the hang of it with diligent practice. It is best to prepare for breastfeeding before the birth. Get advice from your midwife or read a good breastfeeding guide.

It is best to breastfeed on an as-needed basis rather than on a schedule. Be aware, however, that in the first few days this can mean that you have to constantly latch the baby. A breastfeed may take time at first . Enjoy this intimate time. It helps you and the baby to process the birth and build closeness.

You should have this at home for breastfeeding when you come home from the clinic with the baby:

• Breastfeeding can be painful at first. A nipple cream or something to cool it down will help with lactation and sore nipples. A manual breast pump is also recommended, with which the milk flow can be stimulated and excess milk can be pumped out.
• You should also have plenty of nursing pads and nursing bras in different sizes at home – up to two cup sizes larger than you usually wear.
• If you have problems breastfeeding, you should contact your midwife or a lactation consultant. They can see where there are difficulties. They can also show you how to put your baby on correctly, what breastfeeding positions there are or how to use nipple shields.
• Very important: If breastfeeding doesn’t work out after all, you don’t have to feel like a failure. After all, there is the handy invention called bottle feeding.  Babies grow up with bottles too.

Close, close and close again

What your baby needs most in the early days is closeness – that of mum and dad. The little one has to get used to the new environment first. After all, it was in your belly for nine months. It was tight and warm there and it smelled like you. So that it gets used to the new situation, you should offer your baby as much closeness as possible.

As already mentioned, breastfeeding is a great way to give the baby enough closeness. Always keep the baby close to you day and night. This can be in an extra bed, in a cradle or a carrying aid. Many babies prefer to be carried in their arms at first. This is a great opportunity to get dad involved.

Important: Never let anyone convince you that you are spoiling your baby with too much closeness and attention. You can’t even do that in the first few months. Even “bad” habits will not be introduced if you are always close to the baby and immediately react to his bleating. An infant never cries to annoy or to test the parents, but always because of a need (hunger, tired, full diaper, stomach ache, etc.).

Make it easy for yourself in the confinement

Spare yourself (and your partner if possible) unnecessary stress from shopping or large cooking and cleaning activities. For the time being, do without meticulous order and cleanliness in the apartment. After all, the things lying around in the apartment don’t run away. The main thing is that the bathroom gets a thorough cleaning once a week. Everything else can wait.

Alternatively, you can of course get help. Maybe Mum wipes it up and Dad goes shopping while Grandma brings the delicious apple pie to her visit. In addition, in the 21st century there is the practical invention called online shopping. Many supermarket chains now also offer this service.

Organizational matters – there is work to be done

There are also some important appointments during childbirth that must be observed.

• The U2 examination is usually carried out in the hospital. However, if you leave the clinic after just one or two days after the birth, you must have the U2 performed by the pediatrician.
• If you have not already applied for the birth certificate at the clinic, you must do so at the registry office within a week of the birth. For this you need your birth certificate, that of your partner and the marriage certificate. If you are not married, you still need the declaration of acknowledgment of paternity.
• The child must be registered with the health insurance company .
• Informing the employer about the birth of the child is also important.
• The application for maternity benefit must be completed and sent.

When the baby blues hit

Many mothers float on a pink cotton cloud after the birth of their baby. Just as many mothers, on the other hand, are sitting on a dark thundercloud. If happiness doesn’t set in after the birth of your baby, that doesn’t have to mean anything at first. The hormonal changes after childbirth have a major impact on your body. Some mothers need a few days to get used to the new situation. However, if you start to shed too many tears, you need to get help from your midwife or gynaecologist .

Incidentally, you should never do without the support of your midwife at any time – not even if you are feeling great. You are entitled to a daily home visit for the first ten days after the birth. Use the time with your midwife to clarify questions or address fears. The midwife not only helps with baby care, but is also available as a breastfeeding consultant and suggestion box.