Labor and Childbirth: Immediately after Birth

After any type of birth, your recovery will be closely monitored. You'll likely be able to greet your baby and start your new life together. While you're being cared for, your baby receives his or her first exam.

Starting Your Life Together

Attachment, or bonding, starts soon after birth. It's an ongoing process that may take weeks or months. Be aware that you may not fall in love with your baby right away. Most newborns don't look like the chubby babies you see on TV. Months spent in the uterus and time in the birth canal can make your newborn look wrinkled and puffy-eyed. A slightly pointed or misshapen head is also common. These all go away after a few days. After birth, your baby may be placed on your stomach or breast. This will signal your body to begin making milk. If you choose not to breastfeed, you will be given instructions on how to stop milk production.

Your Immediate Recovery

After birth, most women shake and get chills. This is over quickly. Your temperature and blood pressure will be watched until they are stable. Sanitary pads absorb the discharge of the uterine lining. To ensure that you aren't bleeding too much, the pad and the firmness of the uterus will be checked. If you had anesthesia, you'll be watched closely until you can feel and move your toes. If you have perineal pain, an ice pack can help.

Baby's First Exam

Your baby is given an exam within the first 5 minutes after birth. Your baby's heart rate, respiration (breathing), muscle tone, reflexes, and color are assessed. Based on the exam, an APGAR score is given. Your baby may also be bathed, dried, weighed, and measured. Eyedrops may be given to prevent infection. ID bracelets are placed around the baby's wrist and ankle.