Giving birth is an exhilarating experience. It is unlike anything else and hard to describe or imagine without going through it yourself. The experience can be different for everyone, but the outcome is the same: a new little baby to care for and love.

This is the beginning of a new series- Newborn Baby Journal: What to expect the first days. In it I'll take you through my experience with my third baby day by day for the early days... looking at things I experienced, tips and products that helped me and can help you too.

Newborn Baby Journal: What to expect the first days: Day 1

The first 24 hours are an amazing blur. It seems to speed by and yet moments last forever. Those first hours baby changes so much. He goes from a goo covered crying ball of sweetness that can be bruised and swollen from the journey of birth (see photo left- less than one minute after birth) to looking all fresh and sweet ... all within a few hours (see photo above- a few hours old). And by 24 hours old he looks like a teeny tiny baby that you are more familiar with, eyes open wide to the world looking around (see photo right- 24 hours old). The transformation is quite amazing.

He's learning about what it is like to not be attached to mommy for the first time. You're learning that despite sleep deprivation - you can do a lot... and a lot at one time!

Those first seconds are so amazing. The first touch of your baby... when he grasps your hand... hearing him cry... the first time he looks up and sees you... figuring out breast feeding together. You'll be flooded with emotions and in love like never before.

While in the hospital for the first 24 hours of baby's life, I found the following items really helpful:

Libra Knits Baby Hat - This was the first time I brought my own newborn hat to the hospital instead of just using the one my hospital gave the baby. I brought Libra Knits' Spro newborn cap and I was so glad I did. It was so soft (made of bamboo, merino wool and silk) and so so cute and hip looking! I got so many compliments on it and so many cute photos too. (See photos, above and below right)

Baby announcement shirt - I like to make a shirt with all of baby's info on it (like date, time, height, weight and name) and bring to the hospital for a photo on the first day of life. I then use that photo as a birth announcement. (See photo right) (I'll show you how to make them in a future story!)

The You Pillow - I am so glad I had this. It provided much more support and comfort than hospital pillows. Great for my comfort and for breast feeding.
Munchkin's Jelly Bean Sling - It's nice to have a sling to wear baby in for cuddling while you pass the time (like, for instance, while filling out your baby book). You can't walk around the hospital with baby in it, but you can wear him around your room in it.

Kate Boggiano Tank - These are traditional breast feeding tank tops, but they're so easy for breast feeding and comfy!

 For more hospital bag must-haves, check out my printable check list.