Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Flip

Original poster

Clueless 1st time mum - what happens after the birth

13 replies

fluffyslippers · 11/05/2007 11:19

Hi,

A question for all existing mummies new and old!

Ok I'm due on Sunday and mentally I've got as far as labour/birth, but not given too much thought to what happens next! I know once baby is born I get some skin-skin time, then what happens? Do they take baby away to clean up and dress or do I do that? Do the MWs put on the first nappy or is this something I do?

I just wondered at what point after labour I'm left with my baby to get on with it - I'm a first timer so would like to be aware of how things work in the hospital once labour is over - I'm terrified of being on my own on the ward with a newborn and not knowing what to do.

Will I be given help/advice re: bathing/dressing etc... for instance I don't know what clothes I should dress baby in, how often to change baby etc... silly things like that?

Help - I'm terrified!!!!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Sunyshineymummy · 11/05/2007 11:27

FS I had an EMCS and DS had meconium so they took him away and cleaned him up, then brought him back wrapped in a towel wearing a hat. I'd been in labour for 50 hours and was exhausted so DP pretty much took over but the delivering midwife remained with us until I was transferred to the post-natal ward. The midwives on PN were lovely and looked after DS that night. I took over the next morning. I think my experience was quite unusual though.

midnightexpress · 11/05/2007 11:29

Don't panic fluffy! I think it probably varies to some extent from hospital to hospital and also depending on your birth plan. But you shouldn't be left all alone if you don't want to be. Your baby will probably sleep loads too for the first couple of days, so it's not like you have a wild screaming baby to deal with 24/7 (at least at first ). When I had ds1 (by cs) they took him off to clean him up a bit(in the same room) and as far as I remember, they put the nappy on. On the recovery ward the mw came and showed me how to bath him. On the main ward, there will be a button you can press to call someone for help whenever you have a question or need help. They're quite used to it, so ask if you have any questions - that's what they're there for. Have you had a tour of the labour ward? We had one as part of the ante-natal class and so could ask questions then too.

ShrinkingViolet · 11/05/2007 11:34

DH did first nappies/getting dressed (vest,babygro, cardigan, one had a hat as well as she was cold).
Chnage nappies at least every three hours, and as soon as possible after a poo, wash face, hands and round neck (DD1 was a touch sicky/dribbly and it took me a day or so to realise about the neck creases ) at least once a day. The midwives should show/help with first bath, do that as often as you and baby like.
Meconium is horridly sticky btw.
I remember being absolutely terrified about what to do with DD1 once she arrived - ante-natal classes don't seem to cover that - but it was fine - babies are actually quite difficult to break .

PregnantGrrrl · 11/05/2007 11:35

i had DS in birthing unit. he was placed straight on me for a few minutes, and latched straight on! they cleaned up the placenta / floor etc, then weighed and wiped him. we dressed him. i took a little hat, a body suit, a sleepsuit and a blanket. newborn doesn't need much nappy changing TBH- not in the first few days anyway!

after he was dressed i stumbled for a shower, got dressed, and was brought some tea and biscuits. if you intend to breastfeed, they may encourage you to offer boob as much as poss so they can show you the right way/answer any concerns you may have before you leave.

good luck- i feel quite teary thinking about DS's birth, it was an amazing time!

Sunyshineymummy · 11/05/2007 11:38

Most of it will come naturally - really I was the least mumsy person and it was much easier than I expected. Midwives will be as helpful as you need, but tbh, I couldn't wait to get outof hospital and get home.

elsieanjoanne · 11/05/2007 11:42

ask they will be able to help with everything an make sure you stop in hosp till you are comfortable doing everything!
remember babies are so versitile an adaptable! good luck im nervous for you now!

Muminfife · 11/05/2007 11:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Muminfife · 11/05/2007 11:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

saralou100 · 11/05/2007 11:53

hi fluffy... ds1 i had normal delivery, the midwife who delivered him cleaned him (and put on a nappy) and me up in the room before shipping us off to pn ward, where i was left alone! but that was ok i spent lots and lots of time staring at him and cuddling him.. then i got sent home that afternoon, but before i left they showed me how to bath and made sure he had fed.. that was when the fun started

i think midwives really promote independence and offer support only... ask lots and lots of questions if you need to!

clothes wise... i found that body and sleepsuits were all i needed for the first 6weeks of their lives... they poo and puke so much, your constantly changing and dressing (and washing!!!).. change nappies as and when its neded!

goodluck and enjoy!!

Sunyshineymummy · 11/05/2007 12:12

Yes, I forgot to say enjoy it. You do feel like you're taking part in a genuine miracle.

Original poster

fluffyslippers · 11/05/2007 12:47

Thanks everyone, I'll make sure I ask for help. TBH I want to get home asap, I'm terrified of everything hospital related and know I'll only start to relax in my own environment.

I wish I the fear/anxiety would subside a little so that I could look forward to this amazing experience I'm about to live through!

OP posts:

PregnantGrrrl · 11/05/2007 12:53

it you're going to a unit, you can be straight in and out- i had DS at 9.35am, was home by 2pm.

katyjo · 11/05/2007 13:49

Hi Fluffy,

Congrats! Feeling very excited for you.

Don't worry about anything, all your baby needs is you.

I gave birth at 2.30am and dh, ds and I were allowed to stay in the delivery suite until about 6.30 he then had to go home as vistors aren't allowed on the ward until 9am, which was good he went home had a shower and a sleep, very scary for me being left alone with ds even if I was in hospital!

I was given ds straight away and then he was cleaned up and I cuddled him for a while then dh held him while I had a few stiches and got cleaned up.

You will be given loads of advice in the hospital, I think they have to show you how to bath and change your baby.

I wish I had known that a midwife comes to visit you at home for a week once you are released from hospital, I would have left a lot quicker. I stayed for 3 days and although it was nice to have visitors at hospital (so everyone doesn't keep dropping by your house) I was on my own for 12 hours at night as we weren't allowed visitors from 9pm-9am, which I found quite difficult as I was on a shared ward. So if you want to leave just go - its your choice.
It is a very special time, enjoy it, don't try to be the perfect mother, you will be fantastic anyway, go with the fow relax and enjoy!!
xxx

Flip