Before my son was born, I devoured countless books on prenatal and postnatal care, even attending childbirth classes with my husband. I knew how to change diapers (practiced on dolls), breastfeed, and breathe during labor. I believed I was fully prepared for the newborn. So when I smoothly navigated delivery, I breathed a sigh of relief—the hardest part was over:My son was mine, lying beside me. Yet suddenly, I realized the real struggle had only just begun. In the weeks that followed, caring for a newborn often left me overwhelmed and exhausted. I wondered, why hadn't anyone warned me about this? Like most new moms, I had to learn by trial and error, gaining wisdom from my mistakes.But you needn't worry about any of this. I'll share my experiences in detail, and you can find useful insights from my journey to make your new life as easy and pleasant as possible.
Making Hospital Life Comfortable
Wear one or two of your own intimate garments during labor.
I wore my own undershirt and socks under the hospital gown, and it made me feel much better.
Have your baby sleep in the nursery at night. Don't feel guilty about this. If your baby rests in the same room, you might not sleep at all—every cry will tug at your heartstrings. Since I chose to breastfeed, nurses brought my baby to me every few hours, allowing me to get solid sleep in between.Also remember: if you don't want your baby fed formula or milk, it's best to inform the nurses in advance.
Try to choose a bed near the window
You'll likely share a room with other patients. Generally, beds farther from the door are preferable, and they're usually assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. You can request this from your doctor, even if it means changing rooms.
Bring familiar items from home for comfort
Such as your own pillow, a washable blanket, and your favorite slippers or pajamas.
Prepare ice packs
Hospitals usually provide special ice packs for relieving pain at the perineal suture site. You may still need these for several days after discharge, but they're often unavailable at pharmacies. Ask the nurse to provide extra packs when you leave.
Learn to rest
During the first few sleep-deprived and emotionally charged weeks, I found it nearly impossible to make decisions on my own—even simple questions like "Should I eat some bread?" felt overwhelming. Don't put too much pressure on yourself during this time. Let your caregivers handle decisions for you.
Decline Visitors and Calls
You don't need to answer every phone call. Set up a simple out-of-office message letting everyone know you and your baby are doing well, and that you'll call them back when convenient.
Invite experienced help
Even if you feel capable, it's best to have a mom friend stay with you on your first night home. Or simply hire an experienced postpartum care provider—this will make your confinement period much easier.
Avoid weighing yourself before your postpartum checkup
Though you're no longer pregnant, your belly may still resemble its pregnancy shape. You'll likely need maternity clothes for a while longer. After giving birth, when the weather suddenly turned hot, I had to buy another maternity shirt. Thankfully, no one asked me how much longer I had to go.
Join new mom gatherings
Two weeks after my son was born, I attended a mom meetup. You won't find a better place to connect with people who truly understand you.
Take appropriate breaks
Learn to relax when you can. Remember, motherhood is a lifelong journey.Otherwise, nearly everything will make you feel guilty—whether it's letting your child sleep too long, being in the bathroom when they cry, failing to notice a wet diaper in time, or even feeling guilty for not feeling guilty for a full 20 minutes.
Build Basic Baby Care Knowledge
Prepare Mentally for Emergencies
You'll be solely responsible for your child's every discomfort—from stuffy noses requiring suctioning to feverish days needing suppositories.
Ensure your baby burps after feeding
Otherwise, their stomach will feel uncomfortable, leading to crying fits that might overwhelm you. At first, it could take half an hour to get a good burp. I used to pat my son while saying "burp" so often, I worried he might think his name was "Burp."Here's a foolproof method I learned from a nurse: Sit the baby facing away from you on your lap, hold their thighs, and gently rock their little bottom back and forth for about five minutes.
Handle the umbilical cord with care.
Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the cord. This disinfects it without risking infection.
Don't feel uneasy about not wanting others to hold your baby
If you prefer unfamiliar or strangers not to hold your child, you can say the baby has a cold or offer any excuse.
Prepare yourself mentally for the first vaccination
Your baby will receive their first vaccinations at two months old. Whatever you do, don't look at them the moment the needle pierces their skin.One second he might be looking at you trustingly with those angelic eyes, feeling secure in your love. The next, he'll turn his head away and start screaming, inevitably convinced of your deception and betrayal. My advice is to have Dad take him for the shot. Breastfeeding during or immediately after the injection can offer some comfort.
Breastfeed Like a Pro
Prepare a Nursing Pillow
Placing your baby on a pillow during breastfeeding can effectively prevent back pain and sore arms.
Consult a lactation consultant
If breastfeeding challenges persist, this is the most worthwhile step. I attended a full hour-long session with my baby—without that class, I likely would have given up breastfeeding within the first week.Generally, the fourth day is ideal for attending a class, as this is when your breasts begin producing significant milk and may feel engorged or even painful. You can also consult breastfeeding specialists or experienced breastfeeding mothers whenever you encounter difficulties.I initially used a small single-breast pump, which only yielded about 200ml of milk in half an hour. Using a double electric pump, however, I could express over 400ml in just 15 minutes.