Nervous about caring for newborn

I absolutely felt the same. It's so overwhelming when you're handed your baby and discharged from hospital like you have the first clue on how to look after them. I found that asking as many questions whilst I was in hospital really helped (no matter how stupid they sounded). Looking after a baby is trial and error and you'll definitely find your way. Those first few days and weeks are you getting to know your baby and learning what works for the both of you. Instincts definitely kick in but don't be afraid to ask for support if you need it. You've got this! 😊

I was totally the same. And then he was here and although I was on a hospital ward for the first 2 days, the nurses kind of left me to it, or asked what I wanted help with rather than telling me what to do. After that it was home, a little terrified of being alone and responsible for this new little person, and in some ways totally winging it, but somehow you just know what to do and know when something isn't right. You'll be fine!

I was so nervous. I asked my sister a million questions about ‘exactly how it all works’ 😅 to try and visualize and prepare. The good thing I learned is that babies take things one or two steps at a time. So you just have to learn how to hold them and feed them at first and then how to change them and then how to swaddle and get them to sleep somewhere other than your arms. Slowly you figure out their unique little self and what might be bugging them like gas or tiredness and how to fix it. I spent a lot of time reading during night feeds and that helped too. It’s hard work because you’re so tired and it’s around the clock but it’s a lot of repetitive work with a bit of problem solving here and there. You’ll do great ☺️

Totally normal. You'll probably wake up all night checking that your baby is okay. You won't want to leave their side and you'll be nervous when others hold them. It doesn't last long. Then you grow to become confident in your decisions and choices. But at the end of the day, none of us really know what the right thing to do is. We are all just making it up as we go and doing the best we can. You just become more confident in your decisions.

Oh I think that’s a common concern. I’m 43 and a FTM & didn’t have a clue. It tends to be Change Feed Wind for the first while - they sleep a LOT. My nhs trust did some free classes which were good + there’s a lot of free live webinars online - such as the baby academy.

Completely normal! I second Hayley’s comment - changes, feeds and winding is the main thing to focus on in the first few days and weeks. Also NHS advice is that babies feed every 2-3 hours. Breastfed babies will probably feed more often in the newborn stages. Also, regardless of your feeding plans, I’d really advise taking some pre-made bottles of formula with you. My daughter had jaundice which made her struggle with feeding, making breastfeeding really hard and the maternity ward I was on didn’t have a kettle so I couldn’t make powdered formula. The pre-made bottles helped massively, particularly after having a caesarean. The fact you’re considering all of this shows you’re going to be a good mom - you’ll be great! Wishing you and your baby a safe birth 😊

I had 0 experience with babies let alone newborns. I didn’t grow up with any around me. I was exactly like you - doing lots of research and relatively stressed. When little missy was born, she was (and is) perfect. My body knew exactly what to do. You know how toward the end of pregnancy your up to pee every few hours? I heard once that it’s your bodies way of prepping you to wake up frequently for feeding your baby. By nature, postpartum is a whirlwind of emotions. Remember to go easy on you and your partner. If possible- do as much meal preparation as possible. Homemade things that you can pull out the freezer to thaw and cook are the best IMO. It allows for more time spent with your new addition and one less decision to make. If possible (especially post c-section) I’d also recommend setting up a diaper changing space in a area you spend the most time in. The more resting the better! You got this Mama! The newborn phase sounds wild, but it’s also so magical if you let it ❤️