What do you wish you knew about the first 24 hours of motherhood? 20 parents weigh in.

A few weeks ago, when someone asked me what I wish I’d known about the first 24 hours of motherhood, I was stumped. I just couldn’t... remember.           

What was supposed to be a time when I was cooing away in the newborn bonding bubble (according to social media and silly movies), instead was spent in a hazy fog that involved many liquids being expelled from both the baby and me.  

On that note, think about how many nappies you’ll need and double it. As I wrote about in this article on what I didn't know before giving birth, I couldn’t get over how much the baby pooped. We went through more Huggies Newborn nappies and baby wipes (because they’re the best and actually endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives) than spare towels, and as I said, I, too, was releasing so much sweat. 😳

So in order to actually be helpful when writing this article, I sought reinforcement. I asked my Instagram community for their advice, and as always, they came through with the goods. Here are 20 pieces of advice, from 20 different parents, about what they wish they’d known about the first 24 hours of motherhood. 

"Have a ‘station’ spot with all drinks, food, TV, and media. Even look at buying a mini fridge you can easily access from the couch. You are going to be there awhile!" - Kirrily

This is the advice that Dannii Rodgers from Mummy Republic shared with me on our Instagram Live a few weeks ago. She basically said you need stations around the house with all your essentials, like water, the duo of Huggies Newborn nappies (my favourite to ensure no leaks overnight) and 99% Purified Water Baby Wipes, hand sanitiser, snacks, emotional support water bottle etc. It was such good advice because so often, you’ll be in a pickle with poop or projectile vomit, and you can’t really move that easily postpartum, so this would be really helpful! 

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"Babies make so much noise when they sleep. Like little piglets. You’ll think something is wrong because the noises they make are so strange, so constant and SO loud." - Cait

"The first few nights are probably the best they’ll sleep for a while, so get as much rest as you can." - Emsie

Why didn’t I know this? At school we learn how to play the recorder and how to solve Pythagoras' theorem but not that THE BABY TRICKS YOU! They sleep like little angels for the first few nights (after such a tiresome job exiting the womb), and it lulls you into a false sense of security. Be warned, this is the most they will sleep uninterrupted for quite some time. 

"I wish I knew to lower the expectations about what you’ll be able to get done in a day. A shower is a win!" - Elle

"How overwhelming visitors could be." - Chloe

So many women had the same response or similar when giving their advice. I think maybe because I was in the hospital for so long, I was quite happy to have company when I was at home? In the hospital, there were still pandemic restrictions, so only my partner could visit during visiting hours, and I often was relieved when he left, so I could be left alone.

"If the midwives offer to take the baby, let them." - Kelly (YES, ME)

Yes, I’ve decided I actually do have a tip! Someone on Instagram did say this, and it’s so true. LET THEM. One of my girlfriends wouldn’t let her baby out of her sight because she was worried the baby would be swapped or stolen. Sis has watched too many movies. No one can better care for your baby in those moments than those angels, so if they have time and want you to rest, let them. You’ll regret turning them down when you’re alone at 4am the following week, trust me. 

"Make sure your water has a straw. You’ll be SO thirsty, and you need to do everything one-handed and with minimal movement." - Lydia

"The baby often won’t want to lie down and will only be happy when swaddled and cuddled. Don’t be surprised if you don’t use the bassinet for a few weeks." - Robin

"I didn't realise how much you will sweat! No one told me this, and I kept waking up in pools of sweat." - Mel 

See above my comment about all the towels. 😳 The sweat situation is real. 

"It’s okay to feel shocked and not ‘bonded’ straight away. It can take time." - Fifi

"You might feel homesick, even though you’re home. You’re grieving your old life and that’s okay." - Karrin

"To trust your body, if something doesn’t feel right, ask for help." - Rachel 

My friend Kee is super passionate about this advice; if physically you’re not feeling ‘right’, make an appointment with a healthcare professional. If you’re feeling mentally iffy or 'just not right’, speak to your GP and use the resources from the mental health team offered at the hospital. There’s so much help available for new parents, you just need to ask. 

"Take so many photos and videos of your baby because you may not remember it." - Jessica

This one hit hard for me, I wish I’d asked people to take more and not listen to me when I told them no. I would love to have more. 

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"Babies, they’re not as fragile as glass as you may think. You’ll get a huge shock when you first see how 'rough' you think the midwives are with your baby, but let it show you that they aren’t as fragile as you anticipated!" - Steph

"You might think, ‘what have I done?!’ The feeling will pass." - Chelsea 

"They cry a lot. More than you can imagine. It’s okay, but be prepared because sometimes they scream for hours." - Cass

"Meal prep, meal prep, meal prep." - Jax

There was a HEAP of answers I received from parents about wishing they'd prepared more in the freezer and cupboard with food, but I personally found this a bit unrealistic because you’re so tired from the last month of being pregnant I couldn’t muster up the energy! But lots of people swear by this so they clearly did have the energy, and it really is phenom advice. I also think it’s fab when family and friends drop by food instead of more baby clothes. Much more appreciated!

"Two things can be true at the same time. You can love and hate stages of being a parent." - Debbie

"No one knows what the f**k they’re doing, even if they look like they do." - Georgia 

"Don’t be overwhelmed by all the different advice from different friends and family." - Melissa

I had forgotten about this! One moment you're getting your baby a dummy without anyone batting an eyelid, and then the next lot of people you're around, you’re being scolded by someone because dummies could cause ‘nipple confusion’! 😂 Just take it all in, disregard what doesn't feel right and choose what you’re actually comfortable with. 

What else would you add to this list about the first 24 hours of motherhood? Tell us in the comments below.

Huggies Newborn Nappies and 99% Purified Water Baby Wipes are endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives. Shop Huggies Newborn Nappies together with your Huggies 99% Purified Water Baby Wipes at your local supermarket.

Feature Image: Supplied/Instagram/@kelly_mccarren