9/21/11

What should I expect right after the baby is born? What is the right thing to do?

Some people think it's gross to have the baby put on mom's belly right after delivery, but others think it's really important. Babies can't regulate temperature so by placing baby on mom's belly it helps keep the baby warm right after birth. Plus I've heard that the skin to skin contact is good for babies especially if they are going to breast feed. The other option is to have the nurse take the baby and use lamps and heaters to keep baby warm while they do all the tests. Personally I think that after baby is delivered gross or not I want to see what I get out of all that work right away. 

The baby will be given an Apgar score at one minute and again at five minutes and the assessment can be done right on mom's belly.

I have requested in my birth plan to breastfeed as soon as possible. So they won't take the baby for a bath until after the first feeding. Baby will also be weighed, given a vitamin K shot and have ointment put on her eyes within the first hour of birth, but after the first feeding.

Obviously if there are any problems with me or the baby all of this will change and we're both at the mercy of the doctors and nurses. Luckily I know I can trust the staff at Ministry Saint Michael's Women and Infant Center to stick to my birth plan as much as possible and if something does change it they will take the best care of both of us.

So lots about me and baby what about dad? After he cuts the cord if he so chooses. He gets to rest for a little while. After the baby eats and gets all her tests done and her bath he can hold her and proudly present her to family and friends. Then it's my turn to rest while he bonds with baby.