What to Expect After Baby is Born?

1)     Your Newborn Baby

This may be a shock for many new parents – babies can look very different right at birth. Babies are naturally born covered in vernix, a white creamy substance that coats their skin and protects them in the womb. Their skin colour is often a bit patchy and wrinkly. Some babies may be born with a “cone head”, due to pressure put on their skulls during delivery. It’s all normal! In a few days, your baby’s head and skin will smooth out and they will look more “normal”, and their appearance will look more like the typical baby you see in movies and in classic baby photos.  

2)      Baby’s Weight Gain

Usually within the first week of birth. Baby’s weight will drop slightly. In the beginning, it is normal to feed them every 2-3 hours.  If they adjusting to feeding properly, their weight will gradually come back up. Typically 6-8 wet diapers a day is a good sign baby is feeding well.

3)     Postpartum Emotions

While some parents bond with their baby right away, it’s also normal for moms to develop that bond gradually. It’s important to note mom’s body is going through intense hormonal changes which can lead to “baby blues” – characterized by mood swings, anxiety and strong emotional in the first few weeks after birth.

If these emotions intensify beyond the initial postpartum phase, it is recommend to sick medical attention. Mental health is an important element to consider on top of physical rest parents will need to balance.

4)      Postpartum Recovery

Whether you had a natural delivery or c-section. All women will experience bleeding (lochia) while the uterus heals.  In the first week after a c-section, moms may experience more challenges with mobility. By 4-6 weeks or so, most women should be able to regain must of their mobility and return to light activities or exercising.

Recovery after childbirth varies for each woman. If you had a vaginal delivery, you might

5)      Newborn Sleep Patterns

Newborn can sleep up to 16-18 a days, in the early days, they will typically have a feed, sleep for 2-3 hours, and go back to sleep shortly. Creating a comfortable environment for baby is important to develop good sleep patterns.

While most parents hear this from others – it’s true – sleep when baby sleeps! Be sure to get as much rest as possible when you can, so you can prioritize your health and well-being.

6)     Schedule your Newborn Portrait Session

Many first-time parents make the mistake of booking a newborn session after baby has arrived. As most Newborn Photographers prefer to photograph babies between 1-3 weeks old, it’s important to book your favourite Toronto Newborn Photographer prior to baby’s grand arrival to ensure there is availability to capture your precious bundle’s newborn features.

Adjusting to life with a newborn is a significant transition filled with new experiences and challenges. By understanding what to expect after your baby is born, you can better prepare yourself for the journey ahead. Remember, every baby and family is unique, so trust your instincts, seek support when needed, and cherish these precious early moments with your new baby.