What Happens Straight After Birth?

All the pain and discomfort of labour will fade into the background once you set eyes on your new baby. As soon as bub is born, he’ll be placed in your arms or on your chest and you’ll be encouraged to have skin-to-skin contact. Most babies are very alert at birth and many simply lie in Mum’s arms, quietly looking around. However, some babies just want to let the world know they’ve arrived, and cry loud and long. Both of these outcomes are normal, so whichever one your bub chooses, just go with it and enjoy the moment!

Photo by Istock Aug 23, 2011

What Happens Straight After Birth?

Shea Caplice, clinical midwifery consultant, explains what happens in the hour after your baby is born