The first couple of hours after your baby’s birth are sometimes called the fourth stage of labor. Your body must adjust to its suddenly non-pregnant state. After the placenta has separated from the wall of the uterus and has been delivered, the uterus must contract firmly to prevent excessive bleeding.
You may experience cramping from mild to fairly intense. Your uterus will feel like a firm, grapefruit-sized mass at about the level of your belly button.
The nurse will check your uterus and check the amount of vaginal bleeding (lochia), and monitor your pulse and blood pressure until you are discharged. Studies have shown that bonding (the emotional attachment between parents and newborn) is facilitated by early interaction between the new baby and their parents.
This can be a very special time to begin to get to know your infant, as most infants are awake and alert for the first hours after birth. This is also a good time to start breastfeeding since the baby will often suck vigorously during this alert period. We believe these first hours are special, and do our best to give you time together alone as a family.