The More You Know: What to Expect Just After Birth

We all imagine the moment that we hold our babies for the first time - it's going to be beautiful! It's going to be glorious! I'm going to be head over heels in love!

Then reality hits, baby is out and is set on your belly (maybe more roughly than you expected), their back is turned to you, and they are slimy and maybe covered in white cheesy stuff or a bit of blood. The nursery nurse tucks a towel over them and begins to dry them off. The doctor or midwife is waiting for the right moment to cut the cord so that you can bring your baby closer.

Then it happens! Baby is free, and they are turned toward you. You gaze down at this little . . . stranger. Your feelings may be foreign, platonic, numb. You expected to adore this beautiful combination of you and your partner, but instead, the little one with smooshed features and strange colors contorts their face as their cries expand their lungs.

The nurse steps in to check baby's heart rate just as your blood pressure cuff goes off again and the doctor tells you to bear down hard to birth the placenta. Over the next few hours, you will be checked on frequently.

- The doctor or midwife will check your lady parts for any injury that needs repair

- Your blood pressure will be taken routinely

- The nurse will check your bleeding and the firmness of your uterus frequently (sometimes this can hurt)

- You will not be allowed out of bed the first time without assistance

You will also:

- Get your skin-to-skin time with baby (so long as the baby is stable)

- Attempt a first latch or bottle feeding

- Get some juice/soda and some food

- Be taught basic peri-care for your postpartum period

After about two hours in the birth suite, your nurses will transfer you to your postpartum room where you will continue to learn your baby and your new post baby body.

Post birth can sometimes feel like a whirlwind. Breathe deep. This is a huge change. Know that your bond will grow with time, and these moments are both beautiful and temporary!