Things No One Tells You About the First Week with a Newborn
...aka Welcome to the Wild, Leaky West
Congratulations, new mum! You've just created a whole human. You’re amazing. You’re glowing. You’re also possibly crying into a cold cup of tea while wearing mesh undies and trying to figure out if that squawking noise is your baby or just your hormones. Welcome to week one of motherhood!
Here are a few things that no one seems to mention (but probably should):
1. You Might Cry Just Looking at Toast
The first week is like a hormonal rollercoaster run by a toddler with no sense of direction. You may sob over burnt toast or the fact your baby yawned and it was just so cute. It’s normal. Let it out. (Preferably not while trying to breastfeed with cracked nipples. That’s next-level multitasking.)
2. Your Baby is Noisy. Like, Really Noisy.
No one tells you that newborns grunt like miniature goats at 2am. Or that they make dolphin sounds. Or that you'll stare at them wondering if their breathing is normal (it probably is). Google becomes your best frenemy.
3. Nappies Happen. A Lot.
There will be poo. So. Much. Poo. It will defy physics. It will escape the nappy and end up in places you didn’t think possible. You’ll get weirdly good at estimating if it’s a “wipes-only” situation or if it’s time to hose down the baby (and maybe yourself).
4. Breastfeeding Isn’t Always a Magical Bonding Moment
Sometimes it’s beautiful. Sometimes it’s toe-curling. Sometimes your baby latches like a tiny piranha. And sometimes, you're googling “how to stop your baby from using your nipple as a chew toy” at 3am. (Psst: this is where our Hydrogel Pads and Heal-It Nipple Cream come in like tiny little angels.)
5. You Might Smell Like Old Milk
There’s something humbling about sniffing your shirt and realising the odd smell is… you. Is it milk? Is it sweat? Is it tears? Who knows. Embrace it.
6. Your Body Is a Battlefield
Whether you birthed vaginally or via C-section, your body is in healing mode. Sit down slowly. Accept help. Wear soft things. Ice packs are your new best friend. (Padsicles, our instant cold packs, were basically invented for this very reason.)
7. You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Seriously. Even when you feel like a human milking machine with no idea what day it is – you’re keeping a tiny human alive. That’s kind of a big deal.
So, what now?
Take naps when you can. Say yes to help. Say no to visitors who want to hold the baby but not load the dishwasher. And stock up on postpartum goodies that make you feel looked after – like our hydrogel pads, peri bottle, and silver nip cups (aka boob armour).
You're not alone in this. You’ve got Maia Mum in your corner, cheering you on through the wee hours, weird noises, and all the wobbly bits.
You’ve got this, mama. Mesh undies and all.
