FROM BUMP TO BABY: 5 THINGS NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT THE FIRST FEW WEEKS

Ah, the first few weeks after bringing baby home! You've read the books, watched the YouTube videos, and attended a prenatal class or two (hopefully with us at Next Trimester), but nothing can truly prepare you for the real deal. The truth is, the newborn phase is full of surprises—and not all of them are as cute as your little one’s tiny toes. But don't worry, we're here to share the five things no one tells you about those early weeks, so you can go into this parenting adventure armed with knowledge, a sense of humor, and maybe even a few snacks stashed away.

1. Your Body Will Feel Like It’s Been Through a Marathon (Even If You Didn't Run)

Let’s be real for a second: pregnancy and childbirth are no small feats. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your body is in recovery mode—and it’s going to take some time to feel like yourself again. It’s totally normal to feel sore, tired, and honestly, kind of "off" in those first few weeks. Here's what you might not expect:

• The "Fourth Trimester": The first three months (and beyond!) with your newborn are often called the fourth trimester. Your body is healing, your hormones are doing a happy dance, and your sleep is… well, non-existent.

• Perineal Recovery: If you had a vaginal delivery, expect some soreness “down there,” and don’t forget to stock up on things like ice packs, witch hazel pads, and those very glamorous postpartum pads.

• C-Section Recovery: If you had a C-section, you’ll need to take it easy. Don’t rush to get back to your pre-pregnancy body—give yourself the grace and time to heal.

This is where Next Trimester's Prenatal for First-Time Parents class can be a lifesaver. We cover everything from managing labor discomfort to postpartum recovery tips, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to handle it.

2. You’ll Be Totally Unprepared for the Newborn Sleep Schedule

Remember all those dreamy visions of your baby peacefully sleeping through the night while you get a full 8 hours of beauty rest? Yeah, we’ve all been there. The reality? Newborns are notorious for their wild sleep patterns. Your little one might sleep for 20 minutes, wake up crying, and then demand a snack (literally, a snack) in the middle of your REM cycle.

What to expect:

• Cluster Feeding: Your baby might want to nurse all the time, especially in the evening. Hang in there—it’s totally normal!

• Newborn Sleep Cycles: They sleep a lot, but it’s mostly in short bursts. Forget the "sleeping through the night" concept for now and prepare for those frequent nighttime feedings.
  

Pro Tip: Join our Your Feeding Experience workshop, where you’ll learn all about newborn feeding, including tips on establishing a breastfeeding routine (and how to handle those 2 a.m. feedings like a pro).

3. Baby Gas Is a Real Thing (And It Might Make You Question Everything)

You’re probably thinking, “How hard can baby gas be to handle?” Well, let’s just say that when it’s your baby who’s gassy (and possibly crying uncontrollably), it can feel like a whole new level of chaos.

What’s going on:

• The Gassy Baby: Babies have immature digestive systems, which means they can get gassy, and it can hurt. Gas bubbles? They’ll come with an adorable wail or two.

• Colic: It’s a common and frustrating condition where babies cry for extended periods without an obvious cause. While it can be tough, remember—this phase will pass.

Stock up on remedies like gripe water, colic tablets, and a solid supply of burp cloths (trust us, you’ll need them). And hey, our Safe Start workshop teaches you how to handle newborn emergencies, including baby CPR and safe holding techniques—because being prepared is always better than scrambling in the moment.

4. The “Newborn Blur” Is Real (And It’s Totally Normal)

You know that moment when your baby is crying, you’re feeding them, and suddenly you can’t remember the last time you brushed your teeth or ate? Yep, welcome to the newborn blur—the time when life feels like one long, sleep-deprived haze.

Here’s how to survive:

• Ask for Help: Don’t be shy—get your support system involved! Whether it’s your partner, parents, or a friend, you’ll need all hands on deck.

• Don’t Forget Yourself: It’s easy to get wrapped up in your baby’s needs, but remember to take care of YOU. Grab a snack when you can (or hide the snacks, depending on your family dynamics) and take breaks when possible. Next Trimester’s Birthing Again class is perfect for anyone needing a postpartum refresher, especially if you’re expanding your family.

5. Your Relationship Will Change (But In a Good Way)

Becoming parents changes everything. Your relationship with your partner will go through some serious transformations, especially as you navigate the challenges of sleep deprivation, baby care, and figuring out how to work as a team in this new phase of life.

What to expect:

• Teamwork: You’ll both need to be on the same page when it comes to baby care, feeding, and those middle-of-the-night shifts.

• Stronger Bond: Believe it or not, this exhausting time will bond you and your partner in ways you never imagined. The shared experience of caring for your newborn is nothing short of magical.
  

Need more tips on maintaining your relationship through the newborn phase? We’ve got you covered in our Prenatal for First-Time Parents and Safe Start workshops, where we offer not just baby care advice, but tips on how to support each other through this exciting (and chaotic) time.

Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos

The first few weeks with your newborn will be filled with surprises—some hilarious, some challenging, but all part of the adventure. Embrace the chaos, laugh through the sleepless nights (because you will), and remember that you’re doing an amazing job. If you need more guidance along the way, Next Trimester is here for you, offering classes, resources, and expert support every step of the way.

Ready to get prepared and survive (and thrive) in those first few weeks? Visit Next Trimester to explore our classes like Your Feeding Experience, Safe Start, and more. Because you’ve got this, and we’ve got your back!