What Happens Immediately After Birth? A Guide for New Parents

The immediate moments after birth are often a whirlwind of emotions and medical procedures. Whether you’ve attended antenatal yoga, received prenatal care, or made plans for a smooth labour experience, the post-birth period is a crucial time for both mother and baby. Knowing what happens right after delivery helps you understand the process and feel empowered to make informed decisions about your antenatal care and postnatal care.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps that take place immediately after birth, touching on everything from antenatal appointments to the initial care your baby receives. You’ll learn about the important procedures that support you and your newborn during this critical time.

1. The Immediate Care of Your Baby

a. Cutting the Umbilical Cord

After your baby is born, the first thing that happens is cutting the umbilical cord. This cord, which has been supplying oxygen and nutrients to your baby throughout the pregnancy, is no longer needed after birth. In most cases, the doctor or midwife will cut the cord soon after birth, but some parents may choose delayed cord clamping to allow a greater flow of blood from the placenta to the baby. Delayed clamping has been linked to increased iron stores for the baby.

If you’ve had a home birth or are in a birth centre, your midwife will guide you through this process, ensuring it’s done safely. If you’re unsure about cord clamping, discuss it with your healthcare team during your antenatal appointments.

b. Breathing and Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact

Once the cord is cut, the baby will be placed on your chest, often skin-to-skin, to begin their first bonding moments with you. This immediate skin-to-skin contact has numerous benefits, including regulating the baby’s temperature, stabilising their heartbeat, and promoting breastfeeding.

If you’ve practiced prenatal yoga or antenatal fitness in the lead-up to the birth, you’ll be prepared to focus on your breathing and the initial moments of this special bonding time.

c. Apgar Score and Initial Assessment

The doctor or midwife will perform the Apgar score right after birth to assess the baby’s health. The Apgar score checks the baby’s heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflexes, and skin colour. This is usually done at one minute and five minutes after birth. A higher score indicates that the baby is adjusting well to life outside the womb. If the score is lower, the baby might need extra care or monitoring.

2. The Placenta Delivery

a. The Third Stage of Labour

After your baby has been born, the next step is delivering the placenta. This stage of labour is called the third stage, and although it is not as intense as the delivery of your baby, it’s still important. Your antenatal care provider will guide you through this, and depending on your birthing plan, they may assist in delivering the placenta manually.

b. Potential for Placenta Encapsulation

Some mothers choose to preserve their placenta for placenta encapsulation or other uses, such as smoothies or tinctures. If you plan to do this, ensure you’ve informed your midwife or obstetrician beforehand. You can discuss this during your antenatal checkups or before your birth plan is finalised.

3. Caring for the Mother

a. Postpartum Care and Monitoring

Once the baby has been born and you’ve delivered the placenta, the next priority is your health and wellbeing. The immediate postpartum period includes monitoring for any complications, such as heavy bleeding or uterine contractions that may need assistance. The medical team will keep an eye on your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature) and help you settle.

If you’ve discussed antenatal support with your healthcare provider, your team will be well-prepared to offer postnatal assistance, whether it’s dealing with the physical recovery of the perineum or managing stitches from a tear or episiotomy. You may also receive prenatal massage or relaxation during pregnancy advice that could support your recovery.

b. Pain Relief and Comfort

You may experience cramps, particularly in the first few hours after giving birth, as your uterus contracts back to its normal size. Mild pain relief can be given, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, and in some cases, stronger pain relief might be recommended depending on your level of discomfort.

If you’ve opted for antenatal yoga or prenatal massage, you may already be familiar with relaxation techniques that can ease pain and discomfort. Postnatal recovery may involve using these same practices to manage pain and support your healing.

c. Monitoring for Postnatal Complications

After childbirth, it’s crucial to be mindful of any complications, such as postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding), infections, or postnatal depression. Your healthcare team will assess these risks based on your individual health and the progress of your pregnancy and delivery. Postnatal visits to an antenatal clinic or checkups may be scheduled to monitor your recovery.

4. Breastfeeding and First Feeds

a. The First Breastfeeding Session

Within the first hour of birth, it is recommended that you attempt breastfeeding. Initiating breastfeeding early not only helps with bonding, but it also stimulates your body to produce colostrum, the first milk. Colostrum is rich in nutrients and antibodies, which are essential for your newborn’s immune system.

For some mothers, breastfeeding can be a challenge, especially in the early days. If you’ve attended antenatal classes near me or taken antenatal education courses, you may have received guidance on breastfeeding techniques. It’s important to ask your midwife or healthcare team for support if you’re unsure about the latch or positioning.

b. Support for New Parents

Breastfeeding can take some time to master, and many new mothers benefit from additional antenatal support. This could involve seeing a lactation consultant or attending a postnatal breastfeeding clinic. These services are commonly offered through local hospitals or antenatal clinics and can make a world of difference to new parents.

5. Emotional Wellbeing

a. The First Moments with Your Baby

The first few moments after birth can be overwhelming, and it’s important to acknowledge the emotional journey of becoming a parent. You may feel ecstatic, exhausted, or even overwhelmed. If you have discussed antenatal care strategies with your healthcare provider, they might have given you a toolkit to manage your mental health during this time, including advice about postnatal depression and the baby blues.

The antenatal yoga or relaxation techniques you’ve practiced during pregnancy can also be a useful way to manage your emotional wellbeing, especially as you begin to adjust to life with your newborn.

b. Supportive Birth Partners

Many hospitals and birth centres in London are equipped with postnatal services for partners too. As a birth partner, it’s important to understand that they may experience a range of emotions after birth, and their role in supporting you post-delivery is crucial. Offering practical help, being a calm presence, and providing emotional support can be invaluable in the days following birth.

6. The Newborn Checks and Immunisations

a. First Physical Check

After the baby has been born, a thorough physical check will be done to ensure they are healthy and developing well. The baby’s weight, length, head circumference, and overall health will be recorded. A hearing test and a newborn screening test are usually performed to check for any conditions that may require follow-up care.

b. Immunisations and Vitamin K

Most babies will receive their Vitamin K injection shortly after birth to help with blood clotting. Additionally, if you’re delivering in a hospital or birth centre, you’ll be informed about the schedule for infant immunisations. Some antenatal clinics may offer advice on these decisions, and you can discuss them ahead of time during your antenatal appointments.

Conclusion

The first moments after birth are filled with excitement, care, and essential health checks for both you and your baby. If you’ve taken care of your health throughout your pregnancy through antenatal care, prenatal yoga, and attending antenatal appointments, you’ll be better prepared for the post-birth period.

Whether you’re bonding with your newborn through skin-to-skin contact, initiating breastfeeding, or managing the physical recovery after birth, it’s essential to remember that these first moments lay the foundation for your health and wellbeing as new parents. Take advantage of the antenatal support available to you in London, and don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek help when needed.