DAY ONE EARTHSIDE

You need to eat. Have your partner or support people make you something simple at first. Perhaps toast, or maybe you’ll have a craving for something specific. After my first, it was spaghetti. I wanted carbohydrates after exerting all that energy! Don’t hesitate to listen to those cues. A friend of mine sent out for sushi – she had waited nine months to be able to enjoy her favourite food, so what better time? It doesn’t really matter what you eat that first day – just get some food in you so you can regain some energy. You’ll also need to go to the bathroom. Your midwife or nurse needs to see to it that you’re able to pee shortly after giving birth. If you’re lucky, you won’t need to poop for a few days. The pushing required to poop is a little too reminiscent of the pushing during birth and it’s not pleasant soon after the big event. And then you need your rest! “Sleep when the baby sleeps” is particularly apt advice in those first days. You’ll likely be tired, but the excitement of the day and the captivation of your new little one may keep you up. By all means, take it in, hold your baby close and stare at every little perfect inch of them. But also, get some sleep. I suggest limiting visitors in the very beginning, or make sure your guests are the kind that don't mind if you doze off while they hold the baby.

The first day is usually a blur. Take it easy and be patient with yourself and your baby as you get to know each other. You’ll be amazed how quickly you will fall into a comfortable rhythm. After you’ve held a delicate flimsy baby and passed it off between you and your partner a few times, managed to land a passable latch and fill baby’s stomach, changed about ten diapers (and probably get peed on once or twice), and had a few solid naps in between, you’ll have conquered Day One and you’ll find you’re already be getting the hang of the baby basics.