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Chapter 3 of 10
The First Hours Together
THE NEW BABY JOURNEY · CHAPTER 3

The First Hours
Together

The first hours after birth are unlike any other. This is when you'll finally meet your baby, begin bonding, experience the first feeding, and watch your newborn adapt to life outside the womb.

Welcome to your baby's first hours. We'll walk through what typically happens from the first assessment through preparing to go home.
Parents holding their newborn during the first hours after birth

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE HOSPITAL STAY

Your Baby's Hospital Journey

From your baby's first assessment to preparing to go home, these are milestones many families experience during the first days after birth.

Parents meeting their newborn in the hospital shortly after birth

STEP 1 · AFTER BIRTH

Initial Newborn Assessment

Your healthcare team performs a brief assessment to see how your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb.

  • Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes
  • Heart rate and breathing
  • Muscle tone and reflex response
  • Color and overall transition
Dr. G's Tip: For a stable newborn, many initial observations and assessments can often occur while your baby remains close to you.
Mother holding her newborn skin-to-skin while another parent stays close

STEP 2 · BONDING AND COMFORT

Skin-to-Skin With Mom

When you and your baby are medically stable, skin-to-skin contact soon after birth supports warmth, comfort, bonding, and the transition after delivery.

  • Helps maintain body temperature
  • Supports physiologic stability
  • Encourages early feeding cues
  • Promotes closeness and comfort
Dr. G's Tip: When skin-to-skin with Mom isn't immediately possible, another parent or caregiver may sometimes be able to provide skin-to-skin contact when appropriate.
Mother feeding her newborn during the first hours after birth

STEP 3 · EARLY NUTRITION

Your Baby's First Feeding

Whether breastfeeding, formula feeding, or using another medically appropriate feeding plan, the first feedings are a learning experience for both you and your newborn.

  • Colostrum and early nutrition
  • Recognizing feeding cues
  • Breastfeeding support when needed
  • Normal early feeding patterns
Dr. G's Tip: Some healthy newborns are eager to feed early, while others need more time and support. Your hospital team will watch how your baby is feeding and help as needed.
Routine newborn care in the hospital

STEP 4 · ROUTINE CARE

Routine Newborn Care

During the hospital stay, your newborn receives routine preventive care and monitoring based on current medical recommendations, hospital policy, and your baby's individual needs.

  • Vitamin K injection
  • Eye prophylaxis when indicated or required
  • Identification and safety procedures
  • Hepatitis B prevention based on current recommendations
Dr. G's Tip: Your healthcare team should explain recommended newborn treatments and answer your questions before they are given.
Parents learning newborn care from hospital staff

STEP 5 · LEARNING TOGETHER

Bonding and Newborn Care

During the remainder of your hospital stay, nurses, pediatric clinicians, and feeding specialists can help you become more comfortable caring for your newborn.

  • Rooming-in when appropriate
  • Feeding support when needed
  • Diapering and basic newborn care
  • Understanding your baby's cues
Dr. G's Tip: Ask the questions that come to mind. The hospital stay is an opportunity to practice newborn care while trained professionals are nearby.
Pediatrician examining a newborn before going home

STEP 6 · READY FOR HOME

Final Newborn Check

Before discharge, your baby's healthcare team reviews how your newborn is transitioning, completes required screening, and gives you follow-up instructions.

  • Weight and feeding assessment
  • Physical examination
  • Newborn screening tests
  • Discharge and follow-up plan
Dr. G's Tip: Some weight loss is expected after birth. Your baby's care team will look at the amount of weight change, feeding, hydration, and the overall clinical picture before discharge and at follow-up.
DR. G'S PEARL

Your Baby Needs You, Not Perfection

These first days are not a test of whether you can do everything perfectly. You and your baby are learning each other.

Holding your baby close, responding to their needs, learning their cues, and simply being present are some of the everyday experiences through which your relationship grows.

Give yourself room to learn. Ask questions, accept help when you need it, and remember that confidence develops with experience.

The goal isn't perfection. The goal is connection.
— Dr. G

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

Your Baby Is Coming Home

Continue to Chapter 4 for your first days at home, or keep The New Baby Journey close for more detailed newborn guidance.

Parents bringing their newborn home for the first time

NEXT · CHAPTER 4 OF 10

Bringing Baby Home

The hospital doors close behind you—and suddenly you're home with your baby. Learn what to expect with feeding, sleep, diapers, soothing, visitors, and those first unforgettable days together.

Continue to Chapter 4 →
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