First 24 Hours After Giving Birth: What Really Happens (and What Do Moms Need to Prepare?)

Congratulations, Moms! The baby has been born. Nine months of waiting is finally finished, and now… what a feeling overwhelmed very?

Calm. That’s normal. The first 24 hours after giving birth are one of the most intense phases — physical, emotional, hormonal, it all comes together. And to be honest, no one told us how many things would happen on that first day.

So before everything feels like a blur, let’s discuss it slowly: what to prepare, what we will experience, and what should not make Moms panic.

What Happens to Moms’ Body in the First Hours

As soon as the baby is born, our body immediately works hard again — this time to recover. Here are some common things that happen:

Uterine contractions continue. Yes, even though the baby has already come out. The uterus will continue to contract (name after pain) to return to the original size. It feels similar to menstrual cramps, and is usually worse if you are breastfeeding.

Lochia or puerperal bleeding. This is normal bleeding that will last several weeks. In the first 24 hours, the flow is usually the strongest and fresh red in color. Use special postpartum pads, don’t tampons, Moms.

My body feels like I’ve finished a marathon. Because yes. Sore muscles, painful perineum (if the birth was normal), or incision marks can be felt if Moms had a caesarean section. Everything is normal.

Hormonal roller coaster. One second I’m happy to see the baby, the next second I’m crying for no reason. This is not a sign that Moms are weak — it’s the hormones estrogen and progesterone that have dropped drastically. Welcome to the postpartum blues.

What Moms Need to Prepare Before Returning to the Hospital

Ideally, the hospital bag should be packed well in advance. But if not, here is the minimum checklist for the first 24 hours:

For Mother:

• Postpartum sanitary napkins (long and thick, several packs)
• Disposable panties or loose cotton panties
• Nursing shirts or shirts with front buttons
• Nursing bras (2–3 pcs)
• Breast pads
• Large drinking bottle (Moms will be very thirsty, especially if breastfeeding)
• Sandals and socks
• Private toiletries
• Donut pillow (life saver for sitting after normal birth)

For babies:

• Swaddles, newborn diapers, and gloves/legs
• Newborn clothes (kimono style ones are easier to wear)
• Thin blanket
• Wet and dry wipes

Document:

• KTP, BPJS/insurance card, KIA book
• A small notebook for keeping track of breastfeeding, diaper and medication schedules

Expectations that Moms Should Manage

Many things that we think will be “like this and like that”, turn out to be different in reality. Let’s be realistic:

1. Bonding isn’t always instant, and that’s okay

If Moms don’t immediately fall in love when they see the baby… that’s normal. Many moms take a few days or weeks to really connect. Bonding is a process, not an instant moment like in movies.

2. Breastfeeding for the first time can be challenging

The baby may have difficulty latching, the nipple may become sore, or the milk may not be coming out abundantly. What comes out in the first 1-3 days is usually colostrum — a thick, yellowish liquid that is super nutritious. The volume is low, and that’s as it should be. A newborn baby’s stomach is only the size of a marble.

3. Sleeping? What is sleep?

The baby will wake up every 2-3 hours. Ideally, Moms should sleep when the baby sleeps — but realistically, sometimes we end up scrolling on our cell phones or accompanied by guests. Try limiting guests on the first day. Recovery Moms is more important than small talk.

4. Emotions will fluctuate

Between happiness, relief, fear, sadness, confusion — everything can appear in one hour. This is the phase called baby blues and is experienced by around 80% of new mothers. Usually improves within 2 weeks. But if it’s more than that and it feels like it’s getting worse, don’t hesitate to seek professional help, Moms.

Signs to Watch Out for in the First 24 Hours

Recovery is normally gradual, but there are several things that need to be reported immediately to health workers:

• Very heavy bleeding (change pads every less than 1 hour)
• Fever above 38°C
• Severe dizziness or blurred vision
• Unusual stomach pain
• High blood pressure or sudden swelling of the feet/hands/face
• Signs of infection in the suture wound (redness, festering, very painful)

Don’t wait, don’t hesitate. If something is wrong, tell the midwife or doctor straight away.

Practical Tips to Make the First 24 Hours More Manageable

• Ask for assistance. Husband, mother, mother-in-law, doula — whoever. This is not the time to be a superhero.
• Eat and drink enough. Moms body has just given birth to a human. The fuel must be resupplied.
• BAK ASAP. Ideally within the first 6 hours. If you can’t, tell the midwife.
• Skin-to-skin contact. If possible and conditions allow, this is really good for bonding and stabilizing the baby’s temperature.
• Limit guests. It’s great that so many people came, but Moms deserve a break. Guests can come later.

Final Words: Moms are even more amazing

The first 24 hours there was no perfect manual. Every mom will have a different experience — some are smooth, some are full of drama. Both are valid.

The important thing is that Moms know: now the focus is on recovery and getting to know your little one. The rest can be done slowly. We are all here to support each other.

Moms, have you just passed the first 24 hours? Or are you getting ready to welcome it? Let’s tell us in the comments column — what surprised you the most or what Moms wish someone told you earlier?