Hey Moms, Here’s What Happens In The 48 Hrs After Giving Birth

Here’s the definitive guide to everything that happens to you & your baby in those first days after giving birth

If you’re a first-time mom you’re probably a mix of excited and nervous for that due date to finally arrive, especially those first few hours when you all of a sudden have a brand new baby to take care of. Here’s a breakdown of what happens in the first 48 hours after giving birth so you can go into the delivery room feeling a bit more prepared for what comes next.

What happens in the hospital immediately after giving birth

Congrats! It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Your baby has finally entered the world… but now what?

First check: The doctor or midwife examines the baby to check for any immediate medical issues, cuts the umbilical cord & dries him/her before handing them to you.
Skin-to-skin contact: Within moments you’ll be holding your baby against your skin beneath a blanket to help with regulating their body temperature, heartbeat and breathing while promoting a healthy bond.
Mom’s checks: You’ll be checked for any tears or injuries & your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature will be monitored.
Measurements: Healthcare providers will weigh the baby, measure their length and measure their vital signs.
First feeding: This usually happens within the first hour after giving birth to help stimulate the production of breast milk & provide essential nutrients for your baby.
Screening tests: Newborns undergo a series of screening tests in the first 48 hours after birth, including a hearing test and a blood test to screen for metabolic disorders.
Mom’s first bathroom break: Your first bowel movement may not happen for up to a week after giving birth. You’ll urinate usually within the first 2-3 hours, which can sting (use a peribottle of warm water to help reduce the sting).
Going home: If you had an uncomplicated, vaginal birth typically you’ll get to go home within 24-48 hours. If you’ve had a C-section, you can expect to stay in the hospital for 3-4 days.

Breastfeeding & lactation

Here’s what you need to know about breastfeeding in those first few days:

Colostrum: Initially, you’ll produce colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid that is rich in nutrients and antibodies. Colostrum is important for your baby’s immune system and will help protect them from infection.
Milk production: Within a few days of giving birth, you’ll start to produce milk. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body will produce.
Latching: Getting your baby to latch properly can be challenging. Make sure your baby’s mouth covers most of the areola and that their lips are turned outward. You may need to adjust your baby’s position or use a nipple shield to help them latch.
Engorgement: Your breasts may become engorged (swollen and painful) as your milk comes in. To relieve engorgement, try warm compresses, gentle massage, and nursing your baby frequently.

What Happens To Your Body Immediately After Giving Birth

It’s no surprise that giving birth takes a toll on your body. Here’s what you can expect:

Vaginal bleeding: This is known as “lochia” and consists of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. The amount of bleeding varies, but typically it starts heavy and tapers off over time, lasting approximately 4-6 weeks.
Contractions: This is due to the uterus shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size. These contractions, known as afterpains, can be uncomfortable but are usually manageable with pain medication.
Breastfeeding: For women who choose to breastfeed, the first 48 hours after giving birth are a critical time for establishing breastfeeding. According to the World Health Organization, early breastfeeding helps stimulate milk production and establish a strong breastfeeding bond between mother and baby.
Perineal pain: If you had a vaginal delivery, you may experience perineal pain, especially if you had tearing or an episiotomy. To relieve perineal pain, use ice packs or sitz baths and take pain medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Possible postpartum depression: According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 9 women, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek help if necessary.

What happens if you’ve had a C-section?

If you had a C-section, your recovery may be different than if you had a vaginal delivery. Here’s what you can expect:

Longer hospital stay: You will need to stay in the hospital for several days after a C-section to monitor your incision site and ensure that you are healing properly.
Pain management: You will be given pain medication to manage your pain, and you may have a catheter and compression device on your legs to prevent blood clots.
Incision care: You will need to keep your incision site clean and dry to prevent infection. Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to care for your incision site.
Restricted activity: You will need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks after a C-section. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on when you can resume normal activities.

What Happens To Baby?

The first 48 hours after birth are also a critical time for newborns. Here are some of the most important things that happen to babies during this time:

Bonding: Bonding between mother and baby is crucial during the first 48 hours after birth. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding can help promote bonding and regulate a baby’s body temperature, breathing, and heart rate.
First feedings: Newborns typically feed every 1-3 hours during the first few days after birth. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, colostrum, the first milk produced by a mother, is especially important in the first few days, as it provides important nutrients and immune factors to protect the baby.
Possible jaundice: Approximately 60% of newborns experience some degree of jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, mild jaundice is common in the first few days after birth and typically resolves on its own. However, in some cases, jaundice may require treatment.
Screening tests: Newborns undergo a series of screening tests in the first 48 hours after birth, including a hearing test and a blood test to screen for metabolic disorders.
Sleeping & adjusting: Your baby will spend most of the first 48 hours sleeping, but waking frequently for food. It’s quite common for them to be more active at night since they’re used to being lulled to sleep in the womb by your daytime activities.
Pooping: Their first poop, called meconium, is a black (or dark green), sticky, tar-like substance that is made up of cells, mucus, and amniotic fluid. It will pass within the first 24-48 hours. In the first few days after birth, your baby may have several bowel movements a day which will become more frequent as your milk comes in.

The first 48 hours after giving birth can be an overwhelming and emotional whirlwind of excitement, sleep deprivation, cuteness and recovery all mixed into one. For both mother and baby, the first few days after birth are critical for establishing a strong bond and ensuring a healthy start to life. By being informed and prepared, you can go into that delivery room feeling more empowered and ready for it all as you embark on this exciting new chapter in your life.