Feeding and Newborn Care

When to start breastfeeding and first latch

When to start breastfeeding and first latch

When should breastfeeding begin? When a newborn is breathing effectively, maintaining an appropriate temperature, and does not require urgent medical intervention, breastfeeding should usually be initiated within the first hour after birth. The World Health Organization recommends early initiation and emphasizes immediate, uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact when possible. This period is sometimes called the first hour […]

Benefits and safety of delayed cord clamping

Benefits and safety of delayed cord clamping

What delayed cord clamping means Immediate or early cord clamping occurs soon after birth, whereas delayed cord clamping involves waiting before applying the clamp. Guidance commonly supports delaying clamping for at least one minute when the clinical situation permits. Some protocols use a longer interval, such as 30 to 60 seconds in preterm birth or […]

Delayed cord clamping explained

Delayed cord clamping explained

What delayed cord clamping means The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta and contains two arteries and one vein. Before birth, the placenta performs gas exchange and supplies oxygenated blood through the umbilical vein. After birth, the lungs expand, pulmonary blood flow rises, and the newborn begins the transition to independent circulation. Delayed […]

First breastfeeding after birth

First breastfeeding after birth

Why the first breastfeed matters The first breastfeed after birth is not only about nutrition. It is part of the newborn’s adaptation to life outside the uterus and the parent’s transition into lactation. When parent and baby are medically stable, early breastfeeding within the first hour is recommended by major public health organizations because it […]

Newborn procedures after birth overview

Newborn procedures after birth overview

The first minutes: stabilization, warmth, and Apgar scoring Immediately after birth, the clinical priority is to determine whether the newborn is transitioning well. A vigorous term infant who is breathing or crying, has good tone, and does not require resuscitation is usually dried, placed skin-to-skin on the birthing parent’s chest, and covered with warm blankets. […]