14 realisations you’ll have in the first 24 hours of having your baby

14 realisations you’ll have in the first 24 hours of having your baby

by Maria Martin |
Updated on

You’ve waited months, gone through labour and are now a proud mum to a newborn.

Yay!

And despite all the prep, there are some things that only occur to you in the hazy/lovestruck/exhausted first 24 hours with the new addition to your family.

Gallery

14 realisations you’ll have in the first 24 hours of having your baby

Parents with newborn1 of 14

Newborns sleep and feed loads

The best kind of habits, really.

newborn baby2 of 14

Babies don’t have an off-switch

Nothing quite prepares you for a small person who is always there and constantly needs your attention. Even that Furby you had when you were little…

Newborn baby3 of 14

Sleep can be elusive

It’s 3am, you’re exhausted but, no matter how much you try to switch off, your mind’s racing and all you really want to do is look at your baby.

stop road sign 4 of 14

15mph should be the speed limit

Seriously, why’s the taxi driver/your partner driving so fast? In fact, if he could keep it to a crawl all the way home from hospital, you’d appreciate it. You’ve got a baby on board, people!

woman covering ears5 of 14

Babies win at poo-ing

You heard about it, but nothing prepares you. How is that amount/texture/colour/force possible? As for removing meconium with cotton wool and water, it feels more like you need paint stripper.

chocolate6 of 14

Chocolate beats all other snacks

Even if your labour bag or kitchen cupboard is full of healthy, energy snacks. Now, pass the Minstrels.

toast in toaster7 of 14

Tea and toast are also pretty ace

There’s something inexplicably exciting about seeing the tea lady coming round the ward. Now, toast and a lukewarm cuppa will always be your perfect comfort food.

babygros drying outside8 of 14

Should’ve gone simple with babygros

The bows are so sweet on that romper, but the fiddly fastening on the back? Nightmare.

baby crying9 of 14

Your neighbour’s baby is annoying

You’re on the ward with three crying newborns around you. Gah! But now yours has started – ah well, you’re all in the same boat here.

mother holding baby10 of 14

You’re already super-protective

Even going to the loo makes you a little worried about leaving your baby. What if she cries in the 10 minutes you’re away?

grandma holding baby11 of 14

Your own mum is a superstar

To think she did this all for you. And now she’s running around making your meals and tidying up.

pyjamas12 of 14

PJs are the dream

The thought of wearing any trousers that don’t go up and down without having to undo a button… No thank you!

woman screaming13 of 14

Even though you’ve read every book…

It hits you that you still know very little about your newborn. And breathe.

mother cradling baby14 of 14

But the love is overwhelming

She’s just so perfect. You actually can't believe she’s finally here.

Now read:

20 amazing facts about newborns that will impress everyone at your NCT meet-up

12 new baby essentials you actually need from day one

6 Solutions For Your Newborn Sleep Problem

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us
How we write our articles and reviews
Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.