What Happens Immediately After Your Baby Is Born?

What Happens Immediately After Your Baby Is Born?
The moments after birth are filled with excitement and many new experiences. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared.

Skin-to-Skin Contact
If you and your baby are well, your baby will usually be placed on your chest for skin-to-skin contact soon after birth.

Skin-to-skin contact helps with bonding, keeps your baby warm and supports early feeding. 

What Happens to Your Baby?
Your baby will be dried and kept warm. The healthcare team will check breathing, heart rate and overall wellbeing.

Your baby may also be weighed, examined and offered vitamin K according to your healthcare team's recommendations. 

If your baby needs additional medical care, some of these first moments may happen differently. You will be supported to have contact with your baby as soon as it is safe.

What Happens to the Umbilical Cord?
The timing of cord clamping depends on your baby's condition and the management of the third stage of labour. Your doctor or midwife can discuss your preferences with you before birth. 

What Happens to You?
After your baby is born, your uterus contracts and the placenta is delivered. Your healthcare team will monitor you for bleeding and check that you are recovering safely. 

You may also be offered support with your first feed, whether you choose to breastfeed, formula feed or combine feeding methods.

The first hours after birth are about recovery, connection and getting to know your baby. Take your time and accept the support around you. 🤍

*This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your maternity care team.