Having a baby is exciting! After waiting for so long, your baby is finally here. Let’s talk about what happens in those first days with your new little one.
The First Hour – Hello, World!
When your baby first arrives:
- Doctors will check your baby right away
- They count fingers and toes
- They make sure baby is breathing well
- You might get to hold baby on your chest for “skin-to-skin” time
Baby’s First Look
Your new baby might surprise you!
- Many babies look a bit squished at first
- Their head might be a funny shape from being born
- Some have puffy eyes
- They might have fine hair on their shoulders and back
Don’t worry! This is all normal and will change soon.
Sleeping and Eating
Your baby will have two main jobs:
- Sleeping (up to 16-18 hours a day!)
- Eating (every 2-3 hours, day AND night)
Diapers, Diapers, Diapers!
Get ready for diaper changes!
- Day 1: About 1-2 wet diapers
- Day 2-3: 3-4 wet diapers
- By day 4: 6+ wet diapers every day
The first poop (called “meconium”) looks like black tar. It’s normal! After a few days, the poop will change color.
Hospital Stay
Most moms and babies stay in the hospital for:
- 1-2 days after a vaginal birth
- 2-4 days after a C-section birth
During this time:
- Nurses will teach you baby care tips
- Doctors check that you and baby are healthy
- You can ask lots of questions!
Baby Tests and Checks
Your baby will have:
- A hearing test
- A tiny heel prick for important blood tests
- Daily check-ups by doctors or nurses
The American Academy of Pediatrics says these tests help make sure your baby starts life healthy.
Visitors or Rest?
You might want everyone to meet your baby right away! Or you might want quiet time. Both are OK!
- It’s fine to ask visitors to wait
- It’s also fine to have close family visit
- Your rest matters too!
Feelings Can Be Big
Many new parents have big feelings:
- Happy tears
- Tired tears
- Worried tears
- All the tears!
Going Home Day!
Before going home:
- Make sure you have a safe car seat
- Know when to call the doctor
- Set up your first check-up (usually 3-5 days after birth)
Remember This!
The first days with your baby can feel like a lot! You are learning to be a parent, and your baby is learning to be in the world. Be kind to yourself.
As the saying goes, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Even when you’re tired, try to enjoy these special first days with your new little one!
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Westchester County Resources for New Parents
1. Westchester County WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program
Provides nutrition support, breastfeeding assistance, formula assistance, healthy food benefits, and referrals to community services for eligible pregnant women, new parents, infants, and young children. The program offers lactation support and peer counseling to help families navigate feeding challenges.
Phone: (914) 995-5800
Growing Up Healthy Hotline: (800) 522-5006
2. Westchester Community Health Center – PICHC Program
The Perinatal and Infant Community Health Collaborative (PICHC) provides free home visiting services, parenting education, safe sleep education, breastfeeding support, behavioral health referrals, housing and food resource connections, and assistance obtaining baby essentials.
Mount Vernon Office: (914) 699-7200 ext. 8020
Yonkers Office: (914) 968-4898 ext. 3380
Email: pichc@wchchealth.org
3. Westchester Community Health Center – Breastfeeding Support Services
Offers free breastfeeding peer counseling, lactation support, and the Royal Baby Café virtual support groups in both English and Spanish. Families can receive personalized guidance from International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants.
Phone: (914) 699-7200
Royal Baby Café Information: (914) 699-7200 ext. 1610 or 2151
4. Westchester County Department of Health – Family Health Services
Provides information on newborn care, breastfeeding resources, immunizations, safe sleep practices, and maternal-child health programs throughout Westchester County.
Main Phone: (914) 813-5000
5. Northern Westchester Hospital Maternity Services
Offers childbirth education, newborn care classes, breastfeeding education, and support groups for new and expecting parents.
Phone: (914) 666-1200
6. Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Provides support for postpartum depression, anxiety, birth trauma, and adjustment to parenthood. Offers online support groups, educational resources, and provider referrals.
HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773
7. La Leche League USA
Provides breastfeeding education, local support groups, and one-on-one assistance from experienced breastfeeding leaders.
Support Line: 1-877-452-5324
Bibliography
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Newborn and Infant Care. Retrieved from American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Infant and Newborn Health
Postpartum Support International
Westchester County Department of Health – Prenatal and Family Health Services
Westchester Community Health Center – PICHC Program
Westchester Community Health Center – Breastfeeding Support Services
World Health Organization – Newborn Health
These resources should fit well into the standard “Growing Together” format by giving local Westchester supports first, followed by national evidence-based references.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided by our nonprofit is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns. We make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the information and are not liable for any decisions made based on it. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical care.
