Labor and Childbirth: Right After Birth
After childbirth, your doctor will closely watch your recovery. You’ll likely be able to greet your baby right away. While you’re being cared for, your baby has their first exam.
Starting to bond
Bonding starts soon after birth. It’s also called attachment. It’s the close feeling of connection between your baby and you. It’s an ongoing process. It may take weeks or months. Be aware that you may not feel bonded with your baby right away. Most newborns don’t look like the chubby babies you see on TV. Your newborn will look wrinkled and puffy-eyed. This is due to months spent in your uterus and time in the birth canal. Most babies have a slightly pointed or misshapen head. These all go away after a few days.
Cutting the umbilical cord is a safe and meaningful part of the birthing process. After your baby is born, doctors recommend waiting 30 to 60 seconds before cutting the cord. This short wait helps your baby get some extra benefits, like more blood and oxygen. This is great for their health. The practice is common for healthy full-term and premature babies. Delayed cord clamping may not always be possible. But overall, it’s about ensuring the best start for your baby.
After the cord is clamped and cut, your baby will likely be placed skin-to-skin on your chest. This allows your body to help regulate your baby's temperature. It can also start the bonding process. And it will signal your body to start making milk.
If you choose to breastfeed, your doctor or nurse may help you introduce your baby to your breast to start breastfeeding. Newborn babies are usually very alert right after birth. They are ready to start feeding. If you choose not to breastfeed, your doctor will tell you how to stop milk production.
Starting your recovery
After birth, most women shake and get chills. This is over quickly. Your doctor will watch your temperature and blood pressure until they are stable. The lining of your uterus will shed. Sanitary pads absorb the fluids. To make sure that you aren’t bleeding too much, the pad will be checked for the amount of blood. The firmness of your uterus will be checked. If you had anesthesia, your doctor will watch you closely until you can feel and move your toes. If you have pain, they may give you pain medicine. If you have perineal pain, an ice pack can help.
Baby’s first exam
A doctor will examine your baby in the first 5 minutes after birth. Or the exam may be done after you have had the chance to breastfeed your baby. Based on the exam, the doctor will give your baby an APGAR score. This rates a baby’s:
Your baby may also be bathed, dried, weighed, and measured. Eye drops may be put in their eyes. This is to prevent infection. ID bracelets are placed around the baby’s wrist and ankle.