12 things that will probably happen to your newborn right after they’re born

Posted in Development.
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The time is ripe in the minutes and hours after your baby is born to tick quite a few boxes off the “firsts” and “standard procedure” lists. If you’re not quite sure what to expect post-birth, and you’re currently expecting (or someone you know is!) here’s the skinny on how things often pan out. 

12 things that will probably happen to your newborn right after they’re born

1. Their first breath

Previously little creatures of the womb, floating about in amniotic fluid, being out in the world has babies breathing their very first breath – or possibly gasping their very first gasp. Welcome to the world, tiny kiddo!

2. Their first cry

Breathing is followed by the very bracing realisation that they are no longer snuggled inside. In fact, they are in a strange new world and it’s kind of frightening, let’s face it. Many babies let out their first yelp at this point (but not all of them!)

Newborn baby lying on mother's belly

3. The cord is clamped

The connecting and life-giving thread between mother and child – the umbilical cord – is usually clamped in the minutes after birth (although some mums don’t clamp their cord, preferring it to dry up and disconnect itself naturally.)

4. They cop a bit of a wipe

Babies wriggle their way out into the world covered in varying degrees of vernix – the protective coating that keeps their skin from getting waterlogged in utero. At some point, post-birth, this is wiped and eventually washed off, although there is absolutely no rush to do this. Some mums avoid removing the vernix for 24 hours or more, noting that it helps newborns maintain their body temperature after the rigours of birth. 

5. They get bundled up warmly

It’s super important to keep babies warm in the hours after birth, so you’ll find your birth attendants eager to wrap your baby up cosily once they’ve made their exciting entrance. This is when they will pop a hat on your kiddo, too, just so you know.

Mother holding newborn baby after birth

6. They experience their first snuggles

This might be one of our favourite post birth moments, once the breathing thing is all well and good. That first snuggle confirms the epic challenge of pregnancy and birth was totally worth it, and that this new little person you co-created is a keeper.

7. They attempt that first feed

Not only do you finally get to cuddle your baby postpartum, you get to give them their very first experience of breast or bottle. This special moment is sweet, often clumsy and always unforgettable – the stuff that mumming is made of, basically.

8. Someone puts a tag on them

If you have your baby in a hospital or birthing centre, birth attendants will pop some identifying tags on your bub to avoid the kind of mix-ups you might see in the midday movie.

9. They are weighed (and measured!)

Size matters as your baby embarks on their very first day of growing-up! They’ll be weighed to clock their starting point – the first of many scale-y adventures.

10. Some tests happen

The APGAR test –  which stands for Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration is usually given to babies one minute after birth, and again five minutes after delivery.

11. People will cry at them

I mean. This is up there with the first breath really, because as soon as you/others see your baby, they will start crying. Luckily babies don’t mind this. Sometimes they even join in.

12. They are the subject of their very first photo

Well. Technically the ultrasound is your baby’s first photo, so let’s say first out-of-uterus photo for the stickler for details types!

Naw. There’s a lot to do but babies take this stuff in their stride and the busy mood doesn’t dull the sparkle that everyone feels around a fresh new little life!

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