After Your Baby Is Born Health Article

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.

Your Hospital or Birth Center Recovery

Depending on the type of birth and your health, you may stay in the hospital or birth center from 1 to 4 days. During your stay you'll be up and around. You'll start to learn to care for yourself and your baby. In fact, as long as you're both healthy, your new son or daughter can stay with you in your room.

Recovery from Vaginal Birth

Don't be surprised if you're happy but your body's very tired. After spending hours in labor, expect to be sore. You may also have afterbirth pains (cramps caused by the uterus shrinking). These pains may be stronger when the baby first latches on at the start of breastfeeding. After an uncomplicated birth, you may stay in the hospital or birth center overnight. Or you may be able to go home the same day.

Recovery from Cesarean Birth

You can see and hold your baby as soon as you feel able. Your incision will be checked. If you have nausea from anesthesia, medications may provide relief. You may be on an IV or liquid diet until you recover from anesthesia. You may also receive IV antibiotics. The catheter draining your bladder will be removed several hours to a day or more after surgery. Walking helps reduce gas pains and helps you heal. You'll probably stay in the hospital 2 or more days.

Learning How to Take Care of Your Baby

Use your time in the hospital or birth center to ask for tips on newborn care, bathing your baby, or breastfeeding. Videos on infant care may be available. A nurse or lactation consultant can show you how to hold and feed your baby. If you're not planning to breastfeed, discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

Your Changing Emotions

Birth is exciting, and seeing your new baby is wonderful. But you're probably also tired. After the "high" wears off, you may feel a little letdown. Your hormone levels change quickly, affecting your emotions. This is normal. Don't be afraid to tell others how you're feeling.