The moment of delivery is the most awaited by parents, since they are going to meet their baby.
The first contact after birth
Once the baby is born, the best place to place it is on top of its mother, in skin-to-skin contact. Both mother and child have been waiting for this moment for nine months, so it should not be interrupted, unless there is a medical emergency that justifies it.
Why is this contact so important? Mammals are all like this: at birth, the baby seeks the mother, they smell each other and create a bond. Both close contact and smell have helped us to survive as a species. This is why such contact must be respected in the delivery room, whether the baby is born by cesarean section or the mother chooses not to breastfeed.
The first 2 hours
The baby will remain in a state of calm alertness, for the benefit of its survival:
- Eyes open
- Awake
- With a searching attitude
This period is one of transition, adapting from a warm, dark, aquatic environment with constant feeding to a different environment. This new environment is hostile, illuminated and cold, where feeding is an effort.
For the baby, it is a stressful situation with only one antidote: maternal contact. Breastfeeding and close contact nourish the baby, both physically and emotionally.
Nature is wise
The first two hours after childbirth for the woman are called the immediate postpartum period. At this time the midwife checks that the uterus is contracting properly, avoiding postpartum bleeding.
Letting the baby suckle this first milk intake will induce a strong oxytocin spike that will contract the uterus, which will prevent bleeding, a very serious postpartum complication. Ultimately, the baby also watches over the mother’s survival.
In the first hours of contact, the baby fulfills its mission:
- To be born
- To recognize its mother
- To fall in love with her
- Trying to ensure its survival
- To set in motion the mechanisms of milk production.
Scientific studies
Several studies have supported that the non-separation of baby and mother, with skin-to-skin contact, is the ideal start for breastfeeding, reducing stress hormones for the newborn and the mother. In addition, it can regulate glucose levels and temperature.
For more information about the first few hours after birth, contact a pediatric specialist.