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.
14 realisations you’ll have in the first 24 hours of having your baby
1 of 14Newborns sleep and feed loads
The best kind of habits, really.
2 of 14Babies 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…
3 of 14Sleep 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.
4 of 1415mph 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!
5 of 14Babies 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.
6 of 14Chocolate beats all other snacks
Even if your labour bag or kitchen cupboard is full of healthy, energy snacks. Now, pass the Minstrels.
7 of 14Tea 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.
8 of 14Should’ve gone simple with babygros
The bows are so sweet on that romper, but the fiddly fastening on the back? Nightmare.
9 of 14Your 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.
10 of 14You’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?
11 of 14Your 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.
12 of 14PJs 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!
13 of 14Even though you’ve read every book…
It hits you that you still know very little about your newborn. And breathe.
14 of 14But 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