There’s something so sacred about newborn life. The tiny fingers, the sleepy stretches and adorable yawns, the way they curl perfectly into your chest. But while everyone talks about how precious this stage is (and it truly is), there are so many parts of newborn life that no one really prepares you for.
If you’re in the newborn stage, or about to give birth, you may feel exhausted, emotional, in love, and overwhelmed all at once, then this is for you.
25 things No One Tells You About Newborn Life.
Baby Snuggles Are Healing
Skin-to-skin moments can calm you and your baby. That is why I love contact naps and wearing my babies in a baby carrier. Baby snuggles are not only incredibly bonding, but did you know your body releases oxytocin when you snuggle your baby? Oxytocin supports physical healing and reduces stress by lowering cortisol. If I can offer you one piece of advice in the newborn stage (and onward) is hold your baby as much as possible. Sometimes thoughts might creep in telling you that you will spoil your baby or create bad habits for your baby if you hold them too much, but this is simply not true! Holding and snuggling your baby just creates more trust and security with your baby, producing a healthy baby physically and emotionally.
You’ll Learn Your Baby’s Sounds
Before long, you’ll know exactly what each cry means. It is amazing how in tune you will become with your baby. You will soon begin to recognize their hunger cries, tired/overstimulated cries, gas pain cries, etc. Each day gets easier because you will soon be able to quickly pinpoint why your baby is crying. Don’t get discouraged if you’ve gone through the mental checklist (clean diaper, full belly, sleep, burped, etc.) and your baby is still crying. Crying is a natural way babies communicate to their parents. Babies do cry, and that is okay, it is not a reflection on you that you are not able to meet their needs. You absolutely know how to meet their needs. Lean into your God-given mama intuition, and know you are doing your best to comfort and care for your baby.
Newborns Are Noisy Sleepers
The grunts and wiggles can keep you awake even when they’re technically sleeping. I am a very light sleeper, which is a blessing and a curse lol! I hear every noise my baby makes and every move my baby makes. You will find yourself checking your baby multiple times through the night to make sure they are okay. But also, I love the little grunts and groans newborns make, it is absolutely adorable! I was talking to a friend and when she became a new mom, she said the little noises worried her, because she was worried if her baby was okay, and that is a normal reaction too.
You Don’t Need as Much Stuff as You Think
Some of the most hyped baby products end up unused. Baby wipe warmer? Nope, you don’t need that. Also, a warmer could potentially breed bacteria! A baby food blender? No, a regular blender will work just fine. Diaper pails? Nah, you don’t need one. A regular trash can and pet poop bags work great. And also, don’t feel bad if you bought something and realize you don’t need it! As mamas we are always trying our very best, we can’t predict the future!
Check out my must-haves list for new mamas. I have (and still use) these products for all of our babies.
Your Priorities Change Overnight
Your baby quickly takes priority, and in a beautiful way. Before you might think, there's no way I want to change my lifestyle. But then you look into your precious baby’s face and they are your whole world. Yes motherhood requires sacrifice, and different seasons require more sacrifice than others. But you’d be surprised how motherhood shapes you, challenges you, and strengthens you.
You’ll Google Everything
Every noise. Every rash. Changes in poop color. Every hiccup. Sleep problems. Welcome to motherhood. When I was pregnant with our twins, and when they were newborns, I would message my OB, and later the Pediatrician about so many questions and concerns. And that is normal, and healthy! Now with our third, I know so much about what to look out for, I didn’t message my doctors as much. Do not feel bad about messaging your doctor when you have a question or concern. This is what they are here for! And you are educating yourself, and being the best mama and caretaker for your precious little one.
Your Emotions Might Surprise You
You can feel overwhelming joy and sudden tears within the same hour. Hormones are powerful. You might ask yourself daily, “what is wrong with me??” But your body is doing exactly what it is designed to do. I struggled with Postpartum Depression for six and a half months after our twins were born. I am so grateful our pediatrician told me it is normal to not feel quite like yourself for the first year after your baby is born. The best piece of advice is be gentle on yourself and remind yourself your body just formed a precious life, emotions are a part of this incredible journey.
Read more on how I overcame PPD.
You Might Experience Back Pain (breastfeeding/diaper changes)
After both of my pregnancies I just remember experiencing back pain for weeks! I desperately wanted a 5-star resort massage to make the pain go away. I had two c-sections and during recovery, I had little to no core strength. Plus add in all the times I was bending over for diaper changes, or trying to find a comfortable position to breastfeed. I even had back pain in the hospital because the bed was so uncomfortable. In the recovery room, I even asked my doctor about my back pain, thinking the pain was related to my surgery, and she actually said it is a common complaint because the hospital beds are not comfortable! I ordered a heating pad for my back and it helped ease the pain and tension.
Simple Things Feel Hard
Showering. Cooking. Leaving the house. If you are like me, you love productivity and check-lists. Well, when the baby comes and you are healing, productivity feels like it's at an all time low. Take one day at a time mama and focus on recovering and snuggling your sweet little one. After our twins were born, there was no way I wanted to go grocery shopping with two babies. We signed up for our local grocery store’s delivery service and have ordered groceries that way for the last 2 and a half years! This service is worth its weight in gold-it saves me time and energy. My husband will do Costco runs for us after work so I don’t have to pack all the little ones up and have to go shopping. In the newborn stage (and even after), know your mental and physical capacity. Find ways to make life easier for you, and don’t feel like you have to do everything you did before kids.
You’ll Become Fiercely Protective
Welcome mama bear! You might be surprised at how you become increasingly protective (and sometimes paranoid) over your baby. This is completely normal, and a good thing. If you are like me, you want to avoid confrontation and not offend anyone, so it can feel uncomfortable when you feel the need to speak up on behalf of your baby. Remember, you have to advocate for this little one! No one else is going to have the God given intuition for your child than you do. Lean into your gut-feelings about the safety and security of your baby.
You’ll Appreciate Your Own Mom More
Suddenly you understand a little more of what she carried.You’ll appreciate your own mom more in a whole new way after having a baby. Suddenly, you understand a little more of what she carried—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The sacrifices she made begin to feel much more real and personal. It often brings a deeper sense of gratitude and connection.
You’ll Take a Million Photos
Your camera roll will suddenly be full of baby pictures.You’ll take a million photos, and somehow it still won’t feel like enough. I have even had to up my Google storage a few times with our littles! Your camera roll will quickly fill with tiny fingers, sleepy smiles, and everyday moments. Even the simplest things feel worth capturing. You’ll want to remember it all because it goes by so fast.
Baby Gear Takes Over Your House
Swings, bouncers, blankets, bottles—it adds up fast. Baby gear has a way of taking over your entire house before you even realize it. Swings, bouncers, blankets, bottles—it adds up quickly and fills every corner. What once felt like a tidy space may now feel like a baby store exploded. And somehow, you’ll use every single item.
You’ll Learn to Function on Less Sleep
Not perfectly. But you will adapt.You’ll learn to function on less sleep, even if it doesn’t feel possible at first. The exhaustion can be overwhelming in those early days. But little by little, your body and mind begin to adapt. It may not be perfect, but you will find a rhythm that works.
You’ll Become a Diaper Expert
You’ll quickly learn the difference between a normal diaper and a “drop everything immediately” diaper.You’ll become a diaper expert faster than you ever expected. At first, it might all feel confusing or overwhelming. But soon, you’ll know exactly what’s normal and what requires immediate attention. It’s a skill you never knew you needed, but quickly master.
Your House Might Feel Like It’s Falling Apart
Laundry piles up. Dishes sit longer than usual. That’s okay. You’re keeping a human alive.Your house might feel like it’s falling apart, and that can be hard to accept. Laundry piles up, dishes sit longer than usual, and things feel a bit chaotic. But in the middle of it all, you’re doing something incredibly important. You’re caring for and nurturing a tiny human, and that matters more than a perfectly clean home.
Recovery Takes Time
Your body just did something miraculous. Give yourself grace.Recovery takes time, even if you feel pressure to “bounce back.” Your body just did something truly miraculous and deserves patience and care. Some days will feel easier than others, and that’s completely normal. Giving yourself grace during this season is so important.
Trusting Your Instincts is Hard at First
Trusting your instincts can feel really hard at first. And that is normal because when you become a first time mom, you don’t know what you don’t know! There’s so much advice coming from every direction, and it can be overwhelming. You might second-guess yourself more than you expected. But over time, you’ll grow more confident in the way you care for your baby.
You Are Already a Good Mom
Even when you feel unsure. Even when you’re tired. Even when you cry in the bathroom for a minute.You are already a good mom, even on the days it doesn’t feel like it. Even when you feel unsure, exhausted, or emotional, your love is enough. There may be moments when you step away to cry for a minute, and that’s okay. Showing up and caring deeply is what matters most.
You Might Miss Your Old Routine
And then feel guilty for missing it. Two things can be true at once. You might miss your old routine more than you thought you would. There’s a sense of familiarity and freedom that changes after baby arrives. Sometimes that feeling can come with a bit of guilt. But both things can be true—you can love your baby deeply and still miss parts of your old life.
Nights and Days Blend Together
It can feel like one long day with feedings and diaper changes. Nights and days can start to blend together in those early weeks. Feedings, diaper changes, and soothing can make time feel like one long stretch. It can be disorienting and exhausting. Eventually, though, a more predictable rhythm will begin to form.
Things Won’t Be Gross to You Anymore
Things won’t feel as gross to you anymore after becoming a parent. The things that once made you cringe suddenly become part of daily life. Spit-up, diapers, and messes just become normal. You’ll handle it all without even thinking twice.
You’ll Stare at Them… A Lot
And wonder how you made something so tiny and perfect. You’ll find yourself staring at your baby… a lot. It’s hard not to when they’re so tiny and perfect. You may sit and wonder how you created something so beautiful. Those quiet moments of awe can be some of the sweetest.
Comparison Creeps In Quickly
Every baby is different. Milestones vary. Don’t let comparison steal your joy.Comparison can creep in quickly, especially in the age of social media. It’s easy to look at other babies and wonder if yours is “on track.” But every baby is different, and milestones can vary so much. Protecting your joy means focusing on your own baby’s unique journey.
Cluster Feeding Is Real
Cluster feeding is very real, even if you’ve never heard of it before. There will be times when your baby wants to feed constantly, and it can feel overwhelming. You might wonder if something is wrong, but it’s completely normal. These phases usually pass, even if they feel long in the moment.
In Closing
Newborn life is a blur of feedings, diapers, swaddles, and whispered lullabies. It’s exhausting and sacred all at once. If you’re in this season right now, take a deep breath. The Lord entrusted this tiny soul to you for a reason. You don’t have to have it all figured out — you just have to show up with love.
And mama? You’re doing better than you think. 💛
