The Magical Moments After Birth - What To Expect
With 9 months in the making, the anticipation of meeting your baby is almost unbearable. Here's what you have to look forward to during those magical moments after you give birth.
After spending nine months in its mother's womb, your baby will be projected into a new world that will feel completely strange. Its first cries should not be disturbing to you - they are a vital reflex. It is up to you to accompany your baby on this journey of discovery ...
A very emotional first encounter
Once the birth is over, the midwife will place the baby on your abdomen. "Congratulations! It's a magnificent baby girl!" The first cries, the first looks, the first communication ... this wave of emotions will be remembered forever by the new parents! Nestled close to the warmth of your chest, your baby will discover your smell, recognise your voice and that of its father, hear your heartbeat and feel your caresses. In short, it will find its initial bearings, as will you.
A few minutes after the birth, it is time to cut the umbilical cord. This task is most often entrusted to the father. It is mainly a symbolic gesture but it is not obligatory! The procedure causes no pain to either the mother or the baby; there is thus no reason to be anxious.
The first feed may even take place before the placenta has been expelled. Your baby will naturally search for your breast (the rooting reflex) and try to suck on it (suction reflex). You can help your baby by guiding him towards your nipple. The midwife will help you find the best position for both you and your baby, as well as the best way to handle this first feed.
The first examination
After its birth, your baby will be carefully examined to check its general good health. The medical staff will verify the baby's heartbeat, muscle tone, reflexes, temperature, weight and size (your baby's length will be measured), along with its cranial perimeter. Everything will be checked down to the last detail! An antibiotic lotion will be applied to the eyes and the baby will be given vitamin K drops (to counteract viral haemorrhagic disease in newborns). A very fine tube will be inserted into the baby's nose and throat to clear the respiratory passages: this may look drastic, but it is painless. The baby will already have been put through the famous "Apgar test" to verify its general vitality.
Once these various tasks have been accomplished, your baby will be cleaned up by the paediatric nurse. Your baby will then be warmly dressed and the little family is then reunited. Make the best of these first moments of calm, before all the visits start!
Related articles
Can I Continue to Exercise During Pregnancy?
Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and is therefore also part of a healthy pregnancy. Find out which exercises are safest and best for pregnant women.
2 mins to read
Your maternity leave and maternity pay checklist
It might seem a while away, but once you’ve made your pregnancy announcement, it’s a good idea to begin maternity leave preparations and find out if you’re entitled to maternity pay.
2 mins to read
What to pack in your hospital bag
Time to think about what to pack for your new baby—including that special going-home outfit—and for yourself, as well as what you might need for breastfeeding.
1 min to read
30-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Every day, your baby develops more, getting ready to make an entrance into the world in just under 10 weeks. Has it gone fast or is the time creeping by for you? Every mum feels it differently.
2 mins to read
Your 24th Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is about the length of an ear of corn. The growth of your baby continues at the same rate for its height and continues to accelerate in terms of weight gain. It measures
3 mins to read
7 playtime dos and don’ts
You’re never too young (or old!) for playing. Here are some ways you can both enjoy fun-filled, safe, and stimulating daily activities that set your baby up for an active, healthy life.
4 mins to read
6-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby’s growth is in overdrive right about now. So many exciting developments on such a tiny little being! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Pregnancy Weight Gain. Keeping It Under Control
If you were of a healthy weight pre-pregnancy, you should gain around 11-15kg over the course of your pregnancy. At this stage you should be gaining just under half a kilo per week.
2 mins to read
Managing Stretch Marks and Body Changes During Pregnancy
By now you will probably notice a little baby bump forming! But don't worry if you are not showing yet, some women take longer to show, especially if it's your first pregnancy.
4 mins to read
Questions to ask at your 12-week ultrasound scan
Finally, your 12-week ultrasound scan is here! This pregnancy scan is an important one. It can also be very emotional, so it helps to have a list of questions pre-prepared.
2 mins to read
Healthy pregnancy snacks ideas by trimester
Moms-to-be in their second and third trimesters need to think about adding a few more calories to their diets—make them healthy ones with these nutritious snack ideas.
3 mins to read
20-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
There’s so much going on in your belly this week that you may want to take a little nap after reading about it! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
How To Pamper Yourself During Pregnancy
One of the best things you can do for your growing baby is to relax and be kind to yourself! Here are some ways you can look after yourself while pregnant.
4 mins to read
First-time dad tips—how to be a hands-on dad
Wondering how dads can help with newborns?
5 mins to read
What are Milk Oligosaccharides and their benefits?
Scientists have recently cracked the code of one of breast milk’s biggest mysteries. They knew about a main ingredient called Milk Oligosaccharides but were puzzled about its purpose. Until now.
2 mins to read
31-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
As D-Day fast approaches, your little one will soon be moving into position for birth. What a clever baby! But you already knew that. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Your 28th Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is about the size of a head of cauliflower. The size of your baby is 21 cm from crown to rump and 33 cm from crown to heel. It weighs 870g, which is generally about one-third
3 mins to read
10 ways to introduce variety and texture
Help your six- to eight-month-old grow up to be a healthy eater by offering a wide variety of flavors and textures now.
7 mins to read
7-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby is already a pretty impressive 18 mm long. Though you won’t feel it yet, she’s on the move. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
