The First 24 Hours: What Nobody Tells You About Birth & Baby

Let’s talk about the first 24 hours after birth. Not just the sweet pictures, the first cuddles, or the baby. Let’s talk about what actually happens.

Because while you’re learning your new baby, your body is also recovering from pregnancy and birth—and there are some things nobody thinks to tell you until you’re experiencing them.

Yes, There Will Be Blood

Whether you have a vaginal birth or a C-section, postpartum bleeding is normal. Your uterus is working to return to its pre-pregnancy size and your body is shedding blood and tissue from pregnancy.

So yes, you’re going to need pads.

And if you’re thinking, “But I had a C-section, so I won’t bleed, right?” Nope. 😂 A C-section doesn’t mean you skip postpartum bleeding. Your body still has postpartum work to do.

Let’s Talk About the First Pee After Birth

Nobody really wants to talk about this one. But we’re going to.

After a vaginal birth, your first trip to the bathroom can feel very different from what you’re used to. You may be swollen, sore, tender, or have tearing or stitches.

And that first pee? It may sting.

This is where your peri bottle becomes your friend. Using warm water from a peri bottle while you urinate can help dilute the urine and reduce that stinging sensation. It’s also a gentle way to clean yourself afterward without excessive wiping.

And please—don’t feel like you have to tough it out. Ask for help. After all, you just gave birth.

If You Had a C-Section

After a C-section, you’ll typically have a Foley catheter for a period of time following surgery. Depending on your circumstances and your hospital’s protocol, this may be around 12–24 hours.

You’ve just had surgery and may still be affected by anesthesia and medications. Your legs may be weak or numb, and getting up too soon can increase your risk of falling.

Once the catheter comes out, don’t be surprised if your bladder doesn’t immediately say, “Okay, let’s go!”

Sometimes your bladder needs a little time to wake back up after anesthesia, medications, and having a catheter in place. Your care team will monitor you and let you know when you need to try to urinate.

Ice Pads Can Be Your Best Friend

For vaginal birth, cold therapy can provide some serious relief from swelling and soreness. An ice pad with a little witch hazel can feel amazing when everything down there is tender.

After a C-section, cold therapy may also help with surrounding swelling and discomfort, but never put ice directly on your incision. Always follow your provider’s instructions for caring for your incision.

And Yes…Hemorrhoids May Be Raging 😂

Let’s normalize talking about this too.

Pregnancy, pressure, constipation, and pushing can all contribute to hemorrhoids. They can be uncomfortable, annoying, and make going to the bathroom feel like an event you would rather avoid.

But don’t be embarrassed. Talk to your provider about what is safe for you to use for relief.

Sitz Baths Are Your Friend

A sitz bath can be incredibly soothing and can help gently clean the postpartum area. Warm water can provide comfort when you’re sore and make cleaning yourself much easier.

But don’t assume you need to throw a bunch of herbs, oils, or other ingredients into the water. Simple is often enough.

If you have stitches, significant tearing, or any complications, follow your provider’s instructions about when and how to use a sitz bath.

Now Let’s Talk About Baby

Because while you’re recovering, your baby is experiencing the biggest transition of their life.

Skin-to-Skin Matters

Skin-to-skin isn’t just a beautiful photo opportunity. That close contact can help support baby’s temperature, heart rate, breathing, blood sugar regulation, and feeding—and it’s beneficial for the birthing parent too.

When circumstances allow, don’t underestimate the power of simply holding your baby against your chest.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is just be together.

Yes, Your Baby Should Poop

That first poop is called meconium. It’s thick, sticky, very dark, and may look nothing like what you expected newborn poop to look like. 😂

Don’t be alarmed when you see it. Your baby’s digestive system is beginning its transition outside of the womb.

Colostrum Is Liquid Gold

Your breast milk may not come in immediately. That doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.

In those first days, your body produces colostrum. You may not see a large amount, but colostrum is concentrated and specifically designed for your newborn’s early needs.

Colostrum is liquid gold.

And if feeding isn’t going the way you expected, ask for support. There is no prize for struggling silently.

Yes, You Can Ask About Delayed Cord Clamping

If delayed cord clamping is something you’re interested in, talk with your provider before birth. Ask whether it’s appropriate for you and your baby and what your birth location’s practices are.

Know your preferences. Ask questions. Understand your options.

And Your Placenta?

Your placenta is a part of your birth experience too.

If you’re interested in keeping your placenta, ask your provider and birth facility about their policies and what your options are. Don’t wait until after delivery to find out what their process is.

The First 24 Hours Are About Both of You

This is the part I really want new parents to remember.

The first 24 hours aren’t just about the baby.

You’re recovering too.

You’re learning how to feed, hold, change, and soothe a brand-new human while simultaneously figuring out how to sit, stand, pee, manage bleeding, recover from stitches or surgery, and get some rest.

You may feel amazing. You may feel exhausted. You may cry. You may laugh. You may look at your baby and think, “I can’t believe you’re here.” You may also think, “What the hell am I doing?”

All of it can exist at the same time.

And that’s why preparation matters.

Not preparation that makes you believe you’ll have everything figured out. Preparation that gives you enough information to recognize what you’re experiencing, ask for help when you need it, and give yourself some grace.

As a doula, that’s the kind of preparation I want to provide.

Not just the pretty parts.

The real parts.

Because somebody should have told you about the first pee, the bleeding, the peri bottle, the hemorrhoids, the ice pads, the catheter, the colostrum, the meconium, the skin-to-skin, and everything in between.

You deserve to know what to expect.