The post-birth ordeal no one tells you about: Second Night Syndrome

For new parents, the first night with your baby can be the most daunting.

But researchers have discovered that it can often be the second night of your little angel’s time on earth that can be the worst.

It’s called Second Night Syndrome.

This is the time when newborns start to realise they’ve left the comfort of their mother’s womb and thanks to neurological changes happening in their brain, become fussier.

Dr Elizabeth Smith from the University of Utah explains that babies fall into a deep sleep for the first 24 hours of their life and when they wake up parents should be prepared for an onslaught of screaming, crying, and sleeplessness, along with a constant need for cuddles and feeding.

Although this can be an overwhelming and stressful time for any parent, Dr Smith says there are some simple ways for coping with Second Night Syndrome.

Dr Smith suggests limiting your visitors in the afternoon and finding time to take a nap are extremely important.

"Limit visitors in the afternoon so that you and your support person will have a chance to rest and get ready for the next night," she says.

"While your baby is fussy do take time to cuddle, to feed, to find out what it will take to settle in and feel safe and comfortable."

She also recommends 'tag-teaming' with your partner so one of you can have a quick rest while the other looks after baby.

Good luck to all the new parents out there with getting through Second Night Syndrome!