10 Things That Happen Right After You Give Birth: Postpartum Care and More

Giving birth is a monumental experience, one that brings profound physical, emotional, and mental changes. The moments after birth are a whirlwind of medical assessments, emotional connections, and the initial steps towards recovery. Expectant parents who have been preparing through antenatal care are likely to feel more at ease knowing what to expect immediately after birth. However, it’s natural to have questions about what happens next.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 10 things that happen right after you give birth, from the initial moments with your newborn to the medical care you’ll receive during the early stages of recovery. These experiences are common across most deliveries, but it’s always helpful to know what to expect, especially for those attending antenatal classes and seeking information about antenatal appointments.

1. Your Baby is Born and Placed on Your Chest

One of the most emotional moments in childbirth is the immediate arrival of your baby. Depending on your birth plan, whether a vaginal birth or a Caesarean section, your baby will be placed on your chest or near you. This skin-to-skin contact is not just heartwarming but also beneficial for your baby’s health, promoting bonding and helping to regulate their body temperature.

Immediate bonding: Skin-to-skin contact helps your baby transition from the womb into the world. This contact promotes the release of hormones in both mother and baby that help initiate breastfeeding and regulate their breathing.

Delayed cord clamping: In many cases, the healthcare team will allow the cord to continue pulsing for a minute or two before it’s clamped. This is a practice that’s increasingly recommended as it helps to deliver more blood and nutrients to your newborn.

This moment is a key part of antenatal support and a cherished experience for most new parents.

2. Your Placenta is Delivered

After your baby is born, you will deliver the placenta, which is also known as the third stage of labour. This typically occurs within 5 to 30 minutes of birth. The healthcare team will monitor you closely during this time to ensure that the placenta is delivered intact.

Placental management: In some cases, your midwife or doctor may gently massage your abdomen or administer medication to help the placenta detach and exit your body. It’s vital for the placenta to be fully expelled, as any retained fragments can cause complications.

3. Your Uterus Contracts to Help Prevent Bleeding

Following the birth of your baby, your uterus will begin to contract. This process helps to stop bleeding and shrink the uterus back down to its pre-pregnancy size. These contractions may feel similar to mild period cramps and can last for a few hours or even days.

Uterine contractions: These are a natural part of the recovery process and are also necessary for expelling any remaining pregnancy tissue. Your midwife or doctor may massage your abdomen to help with these contractions, which also encourages the uterus to contract more effectively.

Antenatal appointments and education will often discuss this process so that you’re mentally prepared for the afterbirth experience.

4. You Are Monitored for Excessive Bleeding

Following birth, your medical team will closely monitor you for signs of postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding). The first few hours are critical, as the risk of heavy bleeding is highest immediately after birth.

Assessment of bleeding: Healthcare professionals will assess the amount of blood loss and ensure that the uterus is contracting properly. If bleeding is excessive, interventions such as medication or manual procedures may be necessary to stop the bleeding.

It’s important to keep in mind that antenatal education often covers the risks associated with bleeding, and your healthcare team is well-prepared to handle such situations.

5. You’re Given a Pain Relief Plan for Postpartum Recovery

After delivery, you may experience some discomfort or pain, especially if you’ve had a vaginal birth. This can include soreness from tearing, episiotomy, or general uterine contractions. Your midwife or doctor will discuss pain relief options available, which can include:

Medication: Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, or stronger prescriptions in more severe cases.

Physical relief: Ice packs, Sitz baths, or even a prenatal massage (post-birth) can help alleviate discomfort.

Understanding postpartum recovery is a key part of antenatal care, and knowing what to expect can make the transition smoother.

6. You Begin Breastfeeding

In the hours following birth, many mothers try to initiate breastfeeding. Early skin-to-skin contact stimulates your baby’s natural instinct to latch onto the breast. In the first few days, your body produces colostrum, a thick, nutrient-rich fluid that provides your baby with all the essential nutrients and antibodies.

The first latch: Breastfeeding may not be immediately easy for everyone, but with the help of lactation consultants and antenatal support, most mothers can successfully breastfeed. It’s essential to keep an open line of communication with the healthcare team, especially during those first feedings.

Many expectant mothers attend pregnancy yoga classes to prepare physically for the challenges of breastfeeding, strengthening muscles and improving posture to make feeding sessions more comfortable.

7. You’ll Be Offered Postnatal Checks

Post-birth, you will undergo several postnatal checks. These checks are performed to ensure you’re recovering well and to identify any issues early on. Your healthcare provider will check:

Blood pressure and heart rate: To ensure that your body is recovering from the stress of labour and birth.

Stitches or tears: If you had an episiotomy or a tear during delivery, your healthcare provider will examine the stitches and ensure proper healing.

Emotional well-being: Postpartum depression is a reality for some new mothers, and your midwife or doctor will be sure to offer support and provide information on how to seek help if needed.

Antenatal checkups that you had during pregnancy often form the basis for these postnatal evaluations.

8. Your Baby Gets Their First Check-Up

Shortly after birth, your baby will undergo their first neonatal assessment. This includes a physical exam, measuring vital signs, and checking their reflexes and overall health.

Apgar score: The Apgar score is given to newborns at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to assess their heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, response to stimulation, and skin colour.

Initial vaccinations: In some cases, your baby may receive their first vaccinations, including the BCG vaccine.

Antenatal education often covers the importance of these early health checks, ensuring that new parents understand the process.

9. You’ll Receive Guidance on Postpartum Care

Your healthcare team will provide you with important information about postpartum care, which includes:

Personal hygiene: Recommendations for caring for your perineum if you’ve had a vaginal birth, or advice on c-section wound care if you had a caesarean.

Diet and exercise: After childbirth, it’s important to focus on a nutritious diet and rest, alongside appropriate antenatal fitness activities that help rebuild your strength.

Birth control: If you’re considering birth control after your baby is born, your midwife will discuss options available to you, including barrier methods or hormonal contraceptives.

Ensuring proper postpartum care is integral to your physical and emotional recovery, and antenatal appointments are the foundation for this ongoing support.

10. You Begin the Journey of Postpartum Emotional Adjustment

The birth of your baby can bring about a wide range of emotions. While many new parents feel overwhelmed with love and joy, others may experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, or uncertainty. It’s important to remember that postpartum emotional health is a key aspect of recovery, and help is available.

Support networks: Reach out to antenatal support groups, family, or your healthcare provider if you’re struggling emotionally.

Self-care: Take time for yourself, even if it’s just a few quiet moments. Also, practice deep breathing techniques from prenatal yoga to reduce stress.