What to Do if Maternity Care Arrives the Next Day?

What Do You Do on That First Day and Night with Your Baby?

If you return home from the hospital after giving birth, there might be times when maternity care doesn’t start right away but only the next day. This can be a bit nerve-wracking for you as a new mother. Want to be prepared? Read this blog for practical tips on your very first day and night with your baby.

Home Birth

If you give birth at home with a midwife, a maternity nurse will already be present to assist during labor. They are there to support us and help you with showering and the first feeding after the birth. So, if you’re having a home birth, we will call the maternity care team for you, and they’ll be there from the very beginning.

Hospital Birth

If you give birth in the hospital and are allowed to go home soon afterward, maternity care will usually come to you right away. You should call them from the hospital to let them know. If your birth was under medical supervision with an obstetrician, you may need to stay in the hospital. In general, you’re entitled to maternity care through the eighth day after birth. Once you know when you’ll be discharged, call the maternity care team to arrange when the nurse will come to you.

Immediate Maternity Care

The rule is that you will always receive maternity care right away, even if only for a short period. This gives you a chance to get started and receive initial tips and advice on feeding, changing, and monitoring your baby’s temperature. This should be enough to get through the first hours until the nurse returns for a longer visit.

The First Night with Your Baby

If the maternity nurse isn’t immediately available when you come home from the hospital, it’s good to know what to do to get through that first day and night. In the hours after birth, your baby will likely be very alert, but soon after, they will usually fall into a deep sleep. Place your baby on their back in the crib or bassinet, and try to rest as well. Feeling anxious about the first night? Keep your baby close, perhaps by placing the crib next to your bed.

If Your Baby Cries

If your baby cries during the night, it might be because everything is new, and they’re adjusting to the transition. It’s also possible that your baby feels a bit queasy after swallowing some amniotic fluid. Hold your baby close and try to soothe them by lying together calmly. You can place your baby on their side while holding them and gently pat their back. The warmth of your body, your scent, and the sound of your heartbeat can help calm them down.

Feeding Your Baby

Your baby may also be hungry. You can always try breastfeeding. If you’re bottle-feeding, follow the advice you received in the hospital. If your baby doesn’t want to eat, don’t worry; they still have reserves from the womb on that first day. Feed or change your baby only when they signal a need; there’s no need to wake them up. If breastfeeding is challenging on the first day or night, you can hand-express a small amount and feed it to them with a spoon. If you’re planning to breastfeed, consider attending the Breastfeeding Workshop, which is held monthly in Dutch and English. You can find more information here on our site (Dutch).

Baby’s Temperature

Your baby might also feel cold. Make sure they are dressed warmly, and consider using a soft hat for that first night. Woolen items are ideal, as they are warm but don’t overheat, and they’re more comfortable than baby clothes made from other materials.

Holding your baby close will also keep them warm. If you’re using a hot water bottle, place it in the crib to warm it before putting your baby in, and never leave the hot water bottle in with your baby to avoid accidents or burns! If you’re unsure whether your baby is warm enough, check their neck or take their temperature, which should be between 36.5°C and 37.5°C.

Taking Care of Yourself After Birth

You should also take care of yourself. Make sure to get plenty of rest but try to go to the bathroom every 3 to 4 hours, rinsing with lukewarm water afterward. If you develop a fever, contact your midwife. If you’re lying awake at night with thoughts racing, jot down any questions to ask the nurse the next day. The first day and night can seem a bit overwhelming, but don’t forget the most important thing: enjoy your newborn and take the time to settle into a rhythm together.

We’re Here for You Throughout the Maternity Week

Whether you gave birth at home or in the hospital, we’re here for you throughout the maternity week. We will visit you and your baby a few times. If you still have questions afterward, feel free to call or email us. We’re always here to help!

Your Midwife in Amsterdam-Zuid

Want to know more about us? Let’s get acquainted! We have two locations in Amsterdam-Zuid. Schedule your appointment now, and we’ll talk to you soon!