Your Baby's First 24 Hours: What to Expect

You've spent months imagining the moment your baby finally arrives.

And then suddenly, they're here!

But what actually happens next?

As a NICU nurse and mother of four, I know how much goes on in those first 24 hours. Your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb, learning to feed and being checked over by your maternity team.

Some babies spend those first hours snuggled against their mother's chest. Others need a little extra help getting started.

So let me walk you through what you can expect.

What happens immediately after my baby is born?

If you and your baby are both doing well, your baby will usually be dried and placed directly against your bare chest for skin-to-skin contact.

This helps your baby stay warm, settle and begin feeding.

Your team will also assess how your baby is breathing, their heart rate, colour, muscle tone and response to stimulation.

You might hear someone mention an Apgar score, which is a quick assessment usually done at one and five minutes after birth.

And depending on the circumstances, your team may delay clamping the umbilical cord briefly to allow additional placental blood to reach your baby.

All of this can often happen while your baby is right there with you.

What if my baby needs help after birth?

Sometimes babies need assistance with breathing, staying warm or adjusting after delivery.

A neonatal or paediatric team may come to assess your baby, especially after a complicated birth or caesarean.

As a NICU nurse, I want you to know that having extra people in the room doesn't automatically mean something is seriously wrong.

But if your baby does need medical care, it's completely reasonable to ask what's happening and when you'll be able to hold them.

Skin-to-skin contact can begin later if it isn't possible immediately.

When will my baby have their first feed?

If you're breastfeeding, your team will usually encourage you to begin within the first hour when possible.

But please don't turn that first hour into another thing you have to get exactly right!

Some babies latch beautifully. Others lick, nuzzle, fall asleep or need quite a bit of help.

Your first milk is called colostrum. It's produced in small amounts, and that's normal.

As an IBCLC, one of my biggest tips is to ask for help early if feeding is painful or you're unsure about your baby's latch. Breastfeeding is something both you and your baby are learning together.

And if you need a little extra guidance, we've included practical breastfeeding videos and lessons inside The Mama Years Premium, showing you how to achieve a comfortable latch and work through common causes of pain.

You can also ask AI Courtney questions when you need some extra support.

If you're bottle feeding, your maternity team can help you feed safely and respond to your baby's feeding cues.

Why does my baby seem so sleepy?

Birth is a huge adjustment!

Some newborns are quite alert immediately after delivery, then become sleepy. Others seem sleepy from the beginning.

Your baby may wake frequently for feeds, want to be held or sleep for short stretches throughout the day and night.

There isn't a perfect newborn schedule.

However, if your baby is unusually difficult to wake, isn't feeding effectively, looks blue or is having trouble breathing, alert your maternity team immediately.

What about my baby's first wee and poo?

Your baby's first poo is called meconium.

It's thick, sticky and usually very dark green or black.

Most babies pass meconium within the first 24 hours, although some take longer. Tell your maternity team if your baby hasn't passed any by 24 hours.

Your baby should also begin passing urine during their first day.

Your maternity team will ask about wet and dirty nappies because they're an important part of understanding how your baby is doing.

What checks and treatments will my baby have?

Depending on where you give birth, your baby may have:

• Routine checks of breathing, temperature, heart rate and general wellbeing

• A newborn physical examination

• Vitamin K offered to help prevent dangerous bleeding

• Feeding and weight assessments

• Vaccinations or screening tests according to your country's schedule

Some tests happen in the first day, while others are arranged later.

And remember, you can ask what every check or treatment is for.

Your baby's first day doesn't have to look picture-perfect.

There may be plenty of cuddles, some sleepy feeds, lots of questions and more nappy changes than you expected.

Whether your baby is curled up on your chest or receiving a little extra support, your maternity team is there to help you both settle into those first hours together.

Read next

• Your First 24 Hours After Birth: What's Happening to Your Body?

• Caesarean Birth Recovery: What to Expect

• Vaginal Birth Recovery: What to Expect