What to Expect Right After Baby is Born
Most parents spend at least some time reading books on pregnancy and caring for a newborn. However, they can sometimes overlook the small details of what to expect during and after delivery. Do you really know what happens to your baby right after he or she is born?
After a typical vaginal birth, the first thing that happens to a newborn baby is that his or her mouth and nose are suctioned as he or she exits the birth canal. Then, the baby is placed onto the mother's abdomen and covered with a towel of blanket. The baby's head is also covered with a cap to prevent loss of heat. Making skin-to-skin contact between mother and child is important for the bonding process. The doctor will then clamp down the umbilical cord in two places and then cut the cord. The father or partner can also cut the cord if desired. If the parents have chosen to bank their cord blood, then the sample will be taken at that time.
At one minute after birth, the baby will undergo a series of Apgar tests. This series evaluates the baby's breathing, muscle tone, reflexes, color, and heart rate. It is repeated at five minutes after birth. The purpose of these Apgar tests is to make sure that the baby is healthy. It is also standard procedure to place antibiotic ointment drops onto the baby's eyes after birth in order to prevent infections that can cause blindness. The baby will also receive a vitamin K shot about an hour after delivery.
Mothers who have chosen to breastfeed should do so within the first hour of birth. This is important to establish proper feeding. A nurse or lactation consultant can assist the mother with any breastfeeding issues. After feeding is complete, the baby and the mother will receive ID bracelets, and the baby will be placed in a warmer. Footprints will also be taken for records. In some hospitals, the baby will then be taken to the nursery, where he or she is bathed; in other cases, the baby can remain in the room with the mother.
It is important to understand what will happen immediately after the baby is born. Knowing what to expect can help to ensure a comfortable and joyous experience.
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