Read: 1477
Congratulations! You have just welcomed a new addition into your family, after hours of anticipation and labor. As you get the chance to see your newborn for the first time, you may be ready to cuddle with them and rest but there are several important procedures that need to happen in those initial 24 hours. Here's what you can expect from your baby’s journey during their first day outside of the womb:
In the moments right after birth, the cry of your newborn will begin clearing out his lungs - an essential signal for life outside of the womb. After a few seconds, amniotic fluid and mucus will be cleared to ensure both nostrils are functioning properly.
During the first five minutes post-birth, several crucial tests will be conducted on your baby by healthcare professionals who are evaluating their health status in this transition period. The umbilical cord will also be clipped during these initial moments.
Apgar Assessment: Your newborn's vital signs and physical responsiveness will be evaluated by healthcare staff using the Apgar score system. This assessment includes heart rate, lung sounds, color assessment, activity level, and reflex response.
Cord Cutting: Immediately after birth, your doctor or nurse will place clamps on both s of the umbilical cord before it's cut. In some cases, they may offer for the father or a loved one to snip the cord if that's preferred.
First Hour After Birth:
The placenta delivery process can take anywhere from five to 20 minutes or more after birth. You may experience mild contractions as your body works to separate it from the uterine wall. Once you've delivered the placenta, any tears will be stitched up.
Bonding Moments: Your baby should remn alert following birth, which is a great time for bonding. A nurse might record the Ballard score during this period based on factors like length, head circumference and chest size to confirm gestational age. The nurse will also check the heart rate, feel the abdomen, verify finger count, toe number and ensure genital development.
The First Day After Birth:
After ensuring you are both well, new mothers who delivered vaginally can expect to stay in the hospital with their baby for 24-48 hours post-delivery. Nurses will assist during many of your newborn's firsts such as a bath, diaper change, and teaching how to hold and swaddle them.
Feeding: Breastfeeding mothers should expect feedings every two to three hours. Most hospitals have lactation consultants avlable to help with any difficulties you might encounter.
The First 24 Hours:
During this time, healthcare professionals will conduct formal evaluations of your newborn by a pediatrician within the first day. They'll check for malformations, signs of infection, jaundice levels, breathing stability, and feedings. The doctor may also listen to hear heart murmurs, ensure bowel function is working properly, examine genitalia, and look for swelling or soft spots on the head. Screening tests for metabolic disorders like sickle cell anemia might be performed with a blood sample.
Hospital Departure:
Before leaving the hospital, your baby will have their weight re-assessed. It's normal to lose some weight after birth but don't worry too much about it. The healthcare staff will also conduct a hearing test by monitoring brn activity in response to sound.
Once all assessments are complete and you're ready to go home with your new baby, you'll be on your way. that feeling overwhelmed is common among new parents - take some time to relax and enjoy this special period with your little one.
For support:
After discharge from the hospital, UnityPoint Health's team remns dedicated to guiding you through the journey of parenting. Should you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Find a Location Find a Service Find a Doctor Join Our Team Contact Us
Resources:
Contact Us Form
Medical Records Request
Upcoming Classes and Events
Patient Rights and Responsibilities Information
Billing, Insurance Financial Assistance Overview
Price Transparency Report
@2024 UnityPoint Health. Non-Discrimination Accessibility Notice Privacy Policy
This article is reproduced from: https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/what-to-expect-a-babys-first-24-hours-of-life
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.903r.com/Healthy_Baby/New_Baby_First_Day_Care.html
Newborn Care Initial 24 Hours Baby Health Evaluation First Day Post Birth New Mother Recovery Neonatal Screening Tests Details Bonding with Newborn Advice Hospital Discharge Baby Checkup