Java Night”, the one we never tell expectant mothers about...

The Java Night: That Tough Second Night at the Maternity Ward

Pregnancy is over. Childbirth is behind you. You’re now in your hospital room, gazing with pure love at your beautiful little one. You recall what a distant cousin once told you: “You’ll see, it’s nothing but happiness.”

Your baby’s first night went off without a hitch, and you approach the second one with a small, hopeful smile. Who knows? Maybe your baby will “sleep through the night at the hospital” too?

EXCEPT. No one warned you about what’s coming tonight.

New moms, meet: The Java Night.

The Java Night: That Infamous Second Night at the Hospital

In some maternity wards, medical teams offer to take the baby during the first night so the mother can rest. For the baby—who has just completed the exhausting marathon of birth (yes, childbirth is tiring for babies too!)—this first night is often quite peaceful.

But get ready, moms, because the flip side is coming. The Java Night is near (and it happens to almost all babies).

This night is marked by:

• A lot of crying
• A constant need for mom (especially skin-to-skin)
• Frequent breastfeeding or bottle-feeding requests

The Java Night: Is It Normal?

Yes! The Java Night is a completely normal biological reaction. Your little one has just spent nine months (or almost) warm and snug inside you and now needs to adjust to this strange new world.

Suddenly, they can no longer hear your heartbeat, the sounds and lights have changed, and they’ve been passed from one set of arms to another—nurses, doctors, family members. It’s a lot to take in, and it can be quite a shock!

How to Soothe Baby During the Java Night?

Crying is a newborn’s only way to communicate. Many parents assume that every cry means hunger, but there are other ways to help your baby feel safe:

• Minimize outside stimulation. Keep visits to a minimum and reduce noise and bright lights.
• Offer breastfeeding or a bottle on demand, ideally skin-to-skin.
• Allow freedom of movement. Avoid mittens or tight swaddling that restricts baby’s natural movements.

And What About Mom?

Everyone says, “New moms, take care of yourselves.” But how do you do that when you’re alone in the maternity ward with your baby?

Hospital staff often suggest that dads go home to rest: “You’ll need it, sir!” But what about the mom? Her body has just been through an incredible ordeal, and she needs rest too!

So don’t hesitate to:

• Ask your partner to stay overnight so they can take over while you get some sleep.
• Request help from the hospital staff. If you’re truly exhausted, you can ask them to care for the baby for a few hours.

The Java Night is tough, but it’s a normal part of your baby’s adjustment to the world. Hang in there, moms—you’ve got this! 💛