The First 48 Hours — What I Didn’t Expect After Birth

No matter how many books you read or videos you watch, nothing really prepares you for those first 48 hours after giving birth. When Luna arrived, I thought the hardest part was over — but I quickly learned that those first two days are their own beautiful, messy, overwhelming chapter.

I remember lying in my hospital bed, staring at Luna’s tiny face, feeling more joy than I thought possible… and also completely exhausted. No one had really told me how intense those first days would feel — or how quickly time would blur.

The First Night

The first night with Luna felt like a dream. She was so small, so warm, and I couldn’t stop watching her breathe. But alongside that deep love, there was so much I didn’t expect: the constant checks from nurses, the adrenaline crashes, the soreness, the wild rollercoaster of emotions.

I thought I’d rest — but I barely slept. Between feedings, diaper changes, and just staring at her tiny fingers, the hours slipped by in the soft glow of the hospital room. I was glad I’d brought some simple comforts — things from my list of newborn essentials Chicago moms had recommended — like a soft swaddle, a cozy blanket, and a nursing pillow. Little things that made it all feel more like home.

Learning Everything for the First Time

No one talks enough about how many tiny “firsts” you learn in those 48 hours. I learned how to help Luna latch for the first time, how to hold her head just right, how to swaddle her tiny body snugly so she’d feel safe. I asked a million questions. The nurses were amazing, but I still felt that new-mom fear bubbling under the love: Am I doing this right? Is she warm enough? Why does she make that noise?

I was so grateful I’d packed practical newborn essentials Chicago moms had shared in my online groups — real, useful things, not just cute extras. It’s funny how a simple burp cloth or nipple cream can feel like a lifesaver at 3 AM.

The First Time Going Home

By the second day, I was more than ready to get home — and completely terrified to leave. I looked at Luna’s car seat, so tiny and snug, and wondered how this tiny human was mine to care for now, outside those hospital walls.

Walking out of that hospital was surreal. I remember holding my partner’s hand so tight, trying to breathe, trying not to cry from pure overwhelm. All the lists, all the plans — they mattered, but not as much as this: being together, learning together, figuring it out hour by hour.

What I’d Tell Any New Mom

If you’re waiting for your baby now, here’s what I’d say: pack a few newborn essentials (Chicago or anywhere!), yes — but also pack patience for yourself. You won’t know everything in those first 48 hours. You’ll be tired and raw and so full of love you feel like you might burst.

And that’s exactly how it’s meant to be. The best thing I did was allow myself to ask for help, to lean on the nurses, to rest when Luna rested, and to let go of the idea of doing it all perfectly.

What’s Next

Soon, I’ll share my full list of real newborn essentials Chicago moms swear by — the little things that made those early hours and days softer and calmer for me and Luna. If you’d like honest mom-to-mom tips and my real lists, subscribe to my newsletter here. I’d love to share more of our gentle journey with you.