Wondering what postpartum stay was like at the hospital and what to expect?đ¤°đ˝đ
Learn how to prepare for your journey home with baby, with essential postpartum tips while at the hospital from a mom whoâs been there.
Hey, New Mom! Congratulations on Your Beautiful New Bundle
Welcome to motherhood! If youâre reading this, it likely means youâre at the hospital or birth center, taking in those first sweet moments with your baby, or preparing for that exciting transition home.
I share from my own personal experience! Including things I actually did myself. I hope you find this helpful.
Iâm so happy for you, and I want to share some tips to make this early stage a little easier.
Having recently welcomed my third child, with experiences at both hospitals and birth centers, Iâve gathered a few key things I wish Iâd known from the start.
Hereâs what helped me feel more prepared, comfortable, and ready to go home.
1. Establish Breastfeeding Early (If Thatâs Your Plan)
If youâre planning to breastfeed, try to establish that bond as soon as possible.
Many hospitals and birthing centers have lactation consultants on hand who can help. I found it really helpful to ask for support right away, especially with my first.
It made a huge difference to get the guidance, reassurance, and tips early on. If a consultant isnât offered, just askâmost facilities will be happy to have someone help you.
2. Nourish Yourself Well
Youâre going to be hungry after all that hard work! Good, nutritious food will help replenish your body. Try to focus on plenty of fruits, veggies, proteins, and water to keep you fueled.
After a vaginal birth, itâs typically fine to eat as soon as you feel up for it (check with your healthcare provider if youâre unsure).
And if you had a surgical birth, you might have different dietary guidelines to follow initiallyâyour provider will guide you there.
3. Get Your Essential Postpartum Items
Before leaving the hospital or birth center, make sure youâve stocked up on those critical postpartum items.
Most facilities will provide you with essentials, so take advantage of what they offer. Hereâs what I found especially helpful:
⢠Peri Bottle â This squirt bottle is a lifesaver for keeping things clean and comfortable. You donât have to buy your own; the hospital usually provides one.
⢠Pads and Ice Packs â Youâll need plenty of pads, and ice packs are helpful for healing. Theyâre there to keep you comfortable during those first few weeks.
⢠Postpartum Underwear â Those high-waisted panties that hold everything in place can be a real comfort. Ask for extras if theyâre available; theyâre easy to wash and wear.
⢠Compression Band (Optional) â With my first, I asked for a postpartum compression band, and it was provided. It helped me feel supported and more comfortable.
If youâre unsure about any of these items or need more, just ask! Often, theyâre more than willing to send you home with some extras.
4. Expect Frequent Check-Insâand Advocate for Your Needs
Youâll likely have medical staff coming in and out of your room to check on you and your baby. Nurses, lactation consultants, and other caregivers will want to make sure youâre healing well and that your baby is doing okay.
This can make it hard to get restful sleep, and thatâs completely normal! If you feel you need more quiet time to rest, let them know. Youâre in charge of this experience, and itâs okay to ask for a little space.
Staff might also offer to help bathe your baby. Donât feel pressured to say yes right away if you want to delay the first bathâthis is your journey, and you can decide what feels best. If anything doesnât feel right or you need more time, speak up.
5. Make a Plan for Newborn Decisions (Like Circumcision)
For parents of baby boys, one thing to consider early on is whether youâll opt for circumcision, as many hospitals handle this during your stay.
If youâve decided this in advance, make sure to let your providers know your choice as soon as possible so they can guide you through the process.
6. Skin-to-Skin and Frequent Feeding
The power of skin-to-skin bonding is incredible. Snuggle that baby close, breathe each other in, and enjoy those precious first moments.
Every time your baby cries, offer to feed if youâre breastfeedingâitâs normal for babies to want to nurse frequently in these early days. Each feeding helps you both establish milk supply and strengthens that beautiful bond.
7. Plan for Pediatric Care
One last tip: If you deliver over the weekend, make it a priority to call a pediatrician first thing on Monday.
Many pediatricians will want to see your baby within the first week after birth, so setting up that first appointment early on is important. Make a quick to-do list before you leave the hospital, and add this at the top for peace of mind!
What Will the Hospital Give You After Birth? (This Also Applies for Birth Centers)
Youâre probably wondering if the hospital or birth center will give out frees stuff! Yup, sure do. At the birth center we got a cute take home onesie and tumblers among many other things with both of our sons. The same with the hospital, they gave us a ton.
Right after birth, the hospital or birth center usually provides several helpful items to support you and your baby in the first few days.
These supplies are often given as samples, but they can make those early hours easier, especially when youâre focused on recovery and bonding. Here are some essentials you can expectâand donât hesitate to ask if you need extras:
⢠Diapers and Wipes â Newborn diapers and wipes are usually provided, so youâll have what you need from the start.
⢠Blanket, Hat, and Socks â Hospitals and birth centers often supply a cozy blanket, a little hat, and sometimes socks to keep your baby warm and comfortable.
⢠Formula or breastmilk (if Needed) â If youâre using formula, ask the staff about sample bottles or pre-made options. Our birth center had breastmilk on hand if we needed it.
⢠Peri-Care Items â For vaginal births, youâll likely receive a peri bottle and any necessary pads for postpartum care.
⢠C-Section Supplies â If you had a C-section, the hospital will provide specific materials and guidance for your incision care.
⢠Breastfeeding Support â If you use a hospital-grade breast pump during your stay, they may send you home with some of the parts. You might even receive a handheld pump or a Haakaa (especially common at birth centers).
Pro Tip: Ask for extras! If youâre low on anything, just request more before you leave. Many of these items, even in small amounts, can be a big help as you settle in at home.
What Was Postpartum Care Like at the Hospital and at the Birthing Center?
From my own experience, postpartum care was incredibly positive and supportive, both in the hospital and at the birthing center. After giving birth at the hospital, I felt well cared for and had everything I needed.
I remember being able to ask for whatever supplies or help I needed, and the staff made sure we were completely comfortable and ready before we left.
The follow-up was also reassuringâthey checked on both me and the baby through follow-up appointments, which really helped us feel prepared and supported in those first few days.
The birthing center experiences were especially memorable and even more personal. At the birth center, the postpartum care felt tailored and warm.
They provided healthy snacksâtons of nuts, this amazing snack tray, and even brought us food from outside when we needed it!
We delivered in a cozy little cottage right behind the birth center, and it felt beautiful and peaceful in every way.
What really stood out was the follow-up careâthey came to our home for three follow-up visits after each birth.
Having the midwives visit us at home made those early days with a newborn so much more manageable, and it felt like they were right there to help me settle into motherhood with confidence.
I truly hope your postpartum experience is just as fulfilling and supportive. Remember, youâre in control of your careâif you feel you need more time, communicate that with your healthcare team.
Listen to your body, trust your instincts, and donât hesitate to reach out to your provider if something doesnât feel quite right.
Postpartum care can be a beautiful part of the birth journey, and I wish you all the best as you embark on this special time with your little one.
Wrapping Up
Mama, youâve got this! No one can fully prepare you for those first days, but hopefully, these tips give you a strong start as you embark on your beautiful journey with your little one.
Take it one moment at a timeânourish your body, lean on your support system, and love up on that baby. And whenever you need guidance, donât hesitate to check back on this post. Wishing you all the rest, love, and strength you need for this amazing new chapter.
Additional Resources
- https://www.thebump.com/a/what-to-expect-at-the-hospital-during-labor
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/first-days-after-birth
- https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/amp/article/mums-first-24-hours-after-birth