Newborns are full of surprises—and what’s normal can look wildly different from one baby to the next. From erratic sleep to mysterious crying spells, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. But many of the things that seem strange or even alarming are well within the range of newborn norms. Below, we outline what’s expected (but not always talked about) in the first few weeks and months of life! And if anything feels off to you, always reach out to your care provider or family doctor. Your instincts matter.
Baby Behaviour: Witching Hour, Colic, and Fussy Phases
Most babies experience a daily “witching hour”—a predictable period of fussiness that can start in the late afternoon and stretch into the night. It often peaks around six weeks after your baby’s due date and resolves by three to four months. Many parents confuse this with colic, but colic is more intense and defined: crying that lasts more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for over 3 weeks. Colic can be deeply stressful and exhausting. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but supporting your baby’s nervous system—through babywearing, skin-to-skin contact, rocking, and consistent soothing—can help. Planning for extra help during these windows is key. At Brood, we often recommend scheduling postpartum doula care or family helpers for late afternoons and evenings. This allows you to rest, regroup, and not feel alone in the most challenging moments.
Feeding: What’s Normal, What to Watch For
Newborns eat frequently—often every 1.5 to 3 hours, day and night. This near-constant feeding helps establish your milk supply and keeps your baby nourished as they grow rapidly. It can also feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re still healing from birth and adjusting to new rhythms.
In the early days, it’s common to experience nipple soreness or sensitivity. Some discomfort is normal as you and your baby learn how to latch, but sharp or ongoing pain is a sign to adjust something—whether that’s position, latch technique, or pump flange size. Nipple cream, cooling compresses, and rest between feeds can help. If the pain continues, a lactation consultant or doula can help identify the root cause and offer gentle solutions.
Engorgement—a feeling of fullness, swelling, or even hardness in your chest—is also common in the first week or two. It’s your body’s way of ramping up milk production, but it can be uncomfortable. To ease the discomfort, try feeding your baby often, applying warmth before nursing and cold afterward, and using light massage. Overfeeding, pumping “just in case,” or trying to fully empty your chest too often can actually make engorgement worse—so listen to your body and your baby’s cues.
If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Feeding can bring up all kinds of emotions. Our Brood postpartum doulas are here to help—from positioning and latch support to bottle prep and emotional care. You deserve support that centers your well-being as much as your baby’s.
Sleep: Overtired Babies and Sleep Cues
It’s a myth that all newborns sleep all the time — some babies struggle to fall or stay asleep, especially if they become overtired. An overtired baby may seem wired, fussy, or disinterested in sleep, but they often need more support to settle. You can help by swaddling, rocking, offering a soother or a clean finger to suck, playing white noise, and using a baby wrap for motion-based comfort. Learning to read early sleep cues—like yawning, eye rubbing, ear pulling, and fussing—can help you catch their ideal sleep window, waiting too long can make it harder for them to wind down. We suggest a 30 – 90 minute wake window for babies in their first 6 weeks! Practice and support go a long way here. Many families find that a postpartum doula helps them better understand their baby’s rhythms, offers hands-on support during sleepless nights, and brings a sense of calm to those unpredictable early weeks.
Diapering: Poop Colours, Stool Patterns, and When to Worry
Newborn poop can come in a rainbow of textures and shades. But there are a few signs that warrant a check-in with your provider. White, chalky stools can signal a liver issue. Dry, hard pellets may mean constipation. Very watery stool may indicate diarrhea. Green poop might be from switching sides too quickly during nursing—try nursing longer (or exclusively) on one side to allow for more hindmilk. Seeing a small amount of blood in your baby’s diaper in the first few days can be normal, especially as your baby clears residual hormones (from the birthing parent). But if it continues, consult a doctor — possible causes include food sensitivities, tiny anal fissures, or swallowed blood (often from a cracked nipple). Also, if you’re taking iron supplements, don’t be alarmed if your baby’s poop turns dark green—totally normal. Doulas can help you decode all these diaper surprises and offer reassurance about what’s normal and when to follow up with your care provider.
You Don’t Have to Navigate Newborn Life Alone
The newborn phase is intense, beautiful, and often bewildering. Every baby is different, and every day may bring new questions. What’s “normal” spans a wide range—and what matters most is how you and your baby are doing. At Brood, we offer non-judgmental, evidence-based support from experienced postpartum doulas who walk beside you as you find your footing. Whether it’s help with feeding, sleep, soothing, or just having someone to talk to, our team is here to support your version of normal. Learn more about postpartum doula care and how it can make all the difference in those early weeks.Want to learn more about what happens after your baby is born? Check out our online course, Postpartum & the 4th Trimester.
