Before expecting parents make their way to the maternity ward or local birth center to deliver their brand-new baby, they may have many questions surrounding what the experience will look like. There aren’t many answers for the labor and delivery process, as these are both up to nature and the on-the-way baby. However, immediately following the delivery, specific procedures must take place. Here we help you discover what you can expect within 24 hours after birth and break down the importance of each phase.

The First Five Minutes After Birth

The first five minutes after entering the world, a baby will undergo an evaluation to determine how well the womb space treated it. It isn’t until a newborn is physically present that care providers can gain full clarity on growth factors, development needs and successes, and physical traits aside from gender.

Providers will perform an Apgar test, giving the newborn a score from zero to ten based on appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration. The results of this test will indicate if another test at ten minutes is necessary or if the newborn needs more hands-on medical care.

The First Hour After Birth

The first hour after birth, or the “golden hour,” is a crucial marker for developing breastfeeding experiences and bonding. In this first hour, after the Apgar test, the expecting parents receive the newborn baby for skin-to-skin contact, latching education if the mother wishes, and an opportunity to meet and greet with one another outside the womb space.

Nurses will diaper the newborn, and the baby will be relatively alert as they check out their new surroundings. Care providers may remain nearby to monitor progress outside the womb and breathing capabilities.

The First 12 Hours After Birth

In the first 12 hours after birth, you can expect all members of the family to begin thinking about rest if it’s not already happening. Your care facility may provide meals, and recovery will begin as the feeding journey is well underway, whether via a formula or breast milk.

The newborn may visit the nursery upon request if it helps the delivering parent get some sleep, and the newborn may also experience a series of additional tests, such as hearing and vision, to begin getting ready for discharge procedures. The care providers might ask you to assist in the newborn’s first bath, which is an excellent opportunity to get hands-on help before you return home.

The First 24 Hours After Birth

You can expect a pediatrician to evaluate your newborn’s health and well-being within 24 hours after birth. The delivering doctor and nurses do their part, but the pediatrician is a vital part of the postpartum phase.

A comprehensive physical is complete, and they help you understand your nutritional options, gain your level of understanding with breastfeeding, and inquire about bowel movements. The newborn will need to pass the meconium and a transitional movement before discharge.

After making your way through all the medical procedures, the moment will arrive for you to take your newborn home. Absorb all the help available in the first 24 hours, and safe travels as you head home!

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