What to Expect After Birth

Your special requests and desires related to your birth experience are important to us. Please discuss those with your care providers prior to and during your hospitalization.

• During the first several hours after birth, your nurse will check on you and your baby frequently.
• Immediately after birth, the infant will be placed in a warmer, dried, stimulated, assigned Apgar scores, have security bands attached and footprints taken.
• Your baby will cry; this is necessary for the baby to fill its lungs with air and begin breathing normally.
• A hat will be placed on your baby’s head to help him/her stay warm.
• Your baby will receive some antibiotic ointment in his/her eyes and an injection of vitamin K in the thigh to prevent infection and assist the baby’s blood clotting process.
• As soon as possible, you will have an opportunity to place your baby skin to skin on your bare chest.
• It is best for your baby to spend the first hours on your chest in a quiet, warm environment, bonding with you.
• Visitors are encouraged to wait until after the baby has had time to bond with you, including the first breastfeeding.
• The baby will receive a bath later in the day. Visitors and family may view the bath.
• We encourage you to inform visitors they may hold the baby after the bath, with your permission.