Why a baby may be taken to the NICU after birth A newborn may be moved to the NICU for many reasons, and the decision is usually based on immediate clinical needs rather than a single diagnosis. Common reasons include…

The fundamental difference in how birth occurs In a vaginal birth, uterine contractions help dilate and efface the cervix. The baby then descends through the pelvis and is born through the vagina. Labor may begin spontaneously or be induced, and…

The first hours in the recovery area Immediately after surgery, you will usually move to a post-anesthesia care area or a maternity recovery room. A clinician will regularly check your blood pressure, pulse, breathing, oxygen level, temperature, alertness, pain, vaginal…

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…

The first hours after birth Immediately after a C-section, the clinical team usually keeps a close watch on your vital signs, bleeding, uterine tone, and pain level. If regional anesthesia was used, numbness and weakness gradually wear off over the…

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…

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…

A major physiological transition for the newborn Birth requires a newborn to move rapidly from placental support to independent breathing and circulation. With the first effective breaths, the lungs expand, fetal lung fluid begins to clear, and pulmonary blood flow…

What the golden hour means The golden hour usually means the first approximately 60 minutes after birth, during which a stable newborn is placed skin-to-skin on the birthing parent’s bare chest and unnecessary interruptions are minimized. The term describes a…

Early contact is the goal, but safety comes first For a vigorous, medically stable newborn and an alert, stable parent, skin-to-skin contact should generally begin as soon as possible after birth. The baby is dried, placed upright and prone on…