What Happens Right After Birth? 6 Things No One Tells You
You've spent months preparing for labor, but what about those first minutes and hours after birth? Many first-time moms are surprised by what happens once their baby is born. Here are six things that might take you by surprise—and why knowing about them ahead of time can help you feel more confident and prepared.
1. The Placenta Has to Be Delivered
Giving birth doesn’t stop when the baby arrives! Your body still has one more job: delivering the placenta. This is known as the third stage of labor. It usually happens within 5-30 minutes after birth, with contractions that feel a bit different than those you felt during labor. You may be encouraged to push slightly to help it along. There can be physiological/expectant management of this stage, meaning the placenta is given time to detach and come out with your natural oxytocin and after-birth contractions, or there can be expectant management of the third stage, which typically means Pitocin is administered and could also mean the cord is clamped quickly and pulled on with or without simultaneous counter-pressure on the uterus to aid the birth of the placenta.
2. You Might Get Pitocin—Even If You Didn’t Have it in Labor
It’s common practice in many hospitals to routinely give Pitocin after birth to help the uterus contract and minimize the risk of excessive bleeding. There is evidence to support that this practice does reduce postpartum hemorrhage, however you do still have a choice to decline (even if it is the hospital’s policy). Many homebirth midwives also carry Pitocin, but typically administer it on a more “as-needed” basis. If you prefer to allow your body to manage this process naturally, discuss it with your provider ahead of time and include your preference in your birth plan.
3. Fundal Massage: Not As Fun As It Sounds
Shortly after birth, a nurse, doctor, or midwife will press down firmly on your uterus (called a fundal massage) to help it contract and check for excessive bleeding. This can be quite uncomfortable, especially if you weren’t expecting it! The good news is that it only lasts a few moments, and deep breathing can help you get through it. Ask your provider how they approach this so you know what to expect as far as how frequently this may be done.
4. The Shivers and Shakes Are Completely Normal
Many women experience uncontrollable shivering or shaking after birth, even if they’re not cold. This is due to a mix of hormonal shifts, adrenaline, and physical exertion. It can be surprising (and even a little unsettling), but it’s a normal reaction that typically passes within an hour. (By the way, this sometimes happens in labor too, not just after!)
5. Stitches for a Perineal Tear
If you experienced a perineal tear during birth, your provider may want to stitch it up. This often requires a numbing shot to the area before suturing begins, though if you’ve had an epidural, you may not feel much. The process itself is usually quick, but you may still feel pressure or tugging. Not every tear will require stitches. Recovery can be uncomfortable, so using a peri bottle, ice packs, and sitz baths can help with healing.
6. All of This is Happening While You’re Meeting Your Baby
Yep, there might be a lot going on in those first few moments after delivery! As you're soaking in those first precious moments with your newborn, a lot is happening in the background. Nurses are cleaning up, monitoring your vitals, and possibly performing newborn tests in the room. At some point the baby’s cord will be clamped (be very clear on your birth plan about your preferences for this). You may still be in a whirlwind of activity, with various medical staff checking on you, assisting with any needed procedures, or helping with skin-to-skin bonding. AND you might even try to latch your baby to initiate breastfeeding during that first hour! It can feel like a blur, but knowing ahead of time that this flurry of activity is normal can help you focus on your new baby while everything else happens around you. To protect this special time, you can inform your provider ahead of time (and indicate on your birth plan) if you would like your baby to be handed directly to you and for any necessary exams to be done while you are engaged in skin-to-skin or delayed.
Phew!
Understanding what happens in those first hours postpartum can help you feel more prepared and prevent some confusion or distraction when you are trying to meet your baby. If you have specific preferences about how your postpartum care is handled—like opting for a natural third stage or delaying newborn procedures—talk with your provider ahead of time and include them in your birth plan.
Want to learn how to work with your body for a natural birth? Read my free guide, 10 Steps to Natural Birth!
