First of all—congratulations, you’ve done it! You’ve brought your precious little bundle into the world and made it home in one piece. As a fellow mum and the founder of Love All Ways, I know exactly how you’re feeling: a mix of love, excitement, exhaustion, and maybe even a touch of confusion. But don’t worry—you’ve got this, and I’m here to share a bit of what to expect now that you’re officially home with your baby.

The “We’re Home!” Moment (Yes, You’ll Probably Cry Again)

Bringing your newborn home for the first time is a monumental moment. You’ll stand at the door, baby in arms, wondering what to do next. You’ve just been through the whirlwind of pregnancy, the hospital stay, and now here you are...at home. It feels surreal. It’s OK if you shed a few more tears—it’s all part of the ride.

This is when things get real. The midwives aren’t just a call button away, the visitors have slowed down, and you might think, "What now?" (Spoiler alert: it’s going to be wonderful, but it’ll also take some time to get the hang of it).

The Baby is Boss (and has Zero Chill)

Your baby will very quickly make it clear that they are in charge now. Feeding on demand, nappy changes at all hours, and the "sleeping like a baby" myth quickly evaporating into thin air. Let’s be honest—you might feel like the one that needs swaddling and rocking to sleep! This is totally normal.

In Australia, we’re blessed with great support from maternal and child health services, so don’t hesitate to lean on them. They’re there to help guide you through these early days. Plus, there are endless online communities where you can share, laugh, and vent with other Aussie mums.

Your Partner is a Vital Piece of the Puzzle

Let’s not forget Dad or your partner! They are just as important in this whole process. Sure, Mum might be doing the bulk of the feeding, but dads have their own superhero roles. Encouraging skin-to-skin time, mastering the art of the late-night nappy change (trust me, Dad—this is your moment to shine), and generally being the support crew Mum needs.

That said, be kind to each other. Both of you are going to be running on fumes for a while, and communication is key. Dividing tasks where possible and supporting each other is the best way to survive the early weeks.

Expect the Extended Family Invasion (It’s Coming)

Now that you’re home, don’t be surprised if family and friends start knocking on the door, eager to meet your little one. Australians are known for our close-knit families and strong social bonds, which is beautiful, but it can also be overwhelming in these early days.

My advice? Set boundaries early on. Have a chat with your partner and agree on when and how often visitors can come. If they insist on popping in, make them helpful! I’m talking bringing food, doing a bit of laundry, or holding the baby while you take a much-needed shower. You don’t need to play host—this is your time to settle in with your new family member.

Routine...or Not?

Everyone will tell you, “Get the baby into a routine.” It’s great advice in theory, but remember, this is a newborn we’re talking about. Routine will happen, but it won’t be overnight. In those first few weeks, just focus on survival. Sleep when you can, eat when you remember, drink plenty of water and don’t stress if things aren’t going exactly according to plan.

Australia’s climate is perfect for taking baby out for some fresh air—grab that pram and enjoy a stroll! Even if you feel like a zombie, getting outdoors will do wonders for your mood (and might even help baby settle down for a nap). Plus, if you’re breastfeeding, the Aussie sun will help boost those Vitamin D levels for both you and your bub.

The Well-Meaning (But Sometimes Overwhelming) Advice

Be prepared: the advice will come from everyone. Your mother, your neighbour, the checkout lady at Woolies. Whether it’s about breastfeeding, sleep training, or the best nappy brands, it seems everyone has an opinion. Smile, nod, and remember—you know your baby better than anyone.

Take what works for you and your family, and don’t be afraid to gently let people know when you need space. Every baby is different, and what works for one family might not work for another.

Remember: You’re Doing Amazing

In the haze of sleep deprivation and figuring out this tiny human, remember to be kind to yourself. You’re learning a whole new way of life, and no one expects you to have it all figured out on day one. It’s a process—and before you know it, you’ll be the one offering advice to new mums!

Your home is where your family will start to settle into its new rhythm. There’s no rush—your baby will be a baby for a while. Enjoy these first few weeks, soak up the cuddles, and take it one day at a time.

From all of us at Love All Ways, we’re here cheering you on. And when you’re ready for a little extra pampering, we’re here with beautifully curated hampers designed to make life just a bit easier—and a lot more joyful. You’ve got this, Mum!