Things to Expect After You Give Birth: Labor and Delivery Edition
One thing you might not have wrapped your head around yet is that after delivering your baby, you still have one more thing to birth: the placenta.
If you didn’t realize this was part of the process, it can be quite the surprise (cue the scream sound effect).
Here Comes The Placenta
After your baby is born, you’ll need to deliver the placenta. Yep, that incredible organ that sustained your baby throughout pregnancy has completed its job—and now it needs to come out. This can take anywhere from five minutes to over an hour. Some providers prefer to let this process happen naturally, while others may encourage things along. As the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, there will be a small gush of blood, and your provider may ask you to give a gentle push. Don’t worry—compared to birthing your baby, this is a breeze!
If you’re curious, you can ask to see your placenta. Some nurses (especially those who love birth work) will even give you a tour! It has two sides: one rough side that was attached to your uterus and a smooth side that cushioned your baby. The provider will inspect the placenta to ensure it came out whole, as any retained pieces can cause bleeding or infection. If fragments remain, manual removal may be necessary—not fun, but crucial for your recovery.
Oxytocin/Pitocin Injection: What You Need to Know
Right as your baby is being born, you’ll likely receive an injection of oxytocin (Pitocin). Unlike the oxytocin used during labor to strengthen contractions, this dose is given to help prevent postpartum hemorrhage. This practice is part of what’s known as active management of the third stage of labor. The injection can be given in your muscle or through an IV, and while it’s standard practice in Canada, the U.S., and many other parts of the world, your consent should always be obtained beforehand.
Since there’s already a flurry of activity after birth, your nurse should ideally discuss this with you earlier in labor so you’re fully informed ahead of time. If you’d like more details on oxytocin’s risks and benefits, let me know—I’d love to break it down further for you!
The First Hour: What Happens Next
With the placenta delivered and possibly your oxytocin injection given, what happens now? Ideally, you’ll be enjoying skin-to-skin time with your baby—a blissful distraction from the next steps. While you soak in these first moments, your provider will be checking your perineum for any tearing. First- and second-degree tears are the most common, and if you need stitches, they’ll take care of that while you’re bonding with your little one.
Meanwhile, your nurse (that’s me!) will be monitoring your vitals—blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and sometimes oxygen levels. Another important check? Your uterus. You’ve probably heard about nurses pressing on your belly after birth, and yes, it’s uncomfortable. But it’s necessary! These fundal checks assess the firmness and position of your uterus and monitor bleeding to catch any signs of trouble early. Some nurses press way too hard—there’s a difference between a gentle fundal check and a fundal massage (which is reserved for excessive bleeding).
What About Baby?
Another nurse will be there specifically for your baby. As long as baby is doing well, these assessments—like checking their color, heart rate, breathing, and muscle tone—can happen while they remain skin-to-skin with you. Not all babies cry immediately, and that’s okay! The goal is to ensure baby is transitioning well from womb to world.
If baby needs extra help—maybe their breathing is slow, their color isn’t pinking up, or they’re a bit floppy—they may be taken to a warmer for further evaluation. Most of the time, this is right in the room with you. The team may provide oxygen, suction fluid from baby’s lungs, or offer gentle breathing support if needed. While this can be scary, remember that birth is a huge transition, and most babies adjust quickly with a little help.
The First Few Hours: What to Expect
In the immediate postpartum period, your vitals and uterine checks will be done every 15 minutes for at least an hour. You’ll need four normal checks before you can move to a postpartum room (if your hospital has separate spaces for labor and recovery). This is also the time for practical things: if you had an epidural, it’ll be removed (expect your back to feel a bit bruised afterward), you’ll get cleaned up, and yes—you’ll be rocking those fabulous mesh panties and a giant pad.
Let’s not forget the best part: the victory meal! Food after birth tastes incredible. What was yours? Mine was a footlong Subway sandwich and McDonald’s fries—yes, I made my husband stop at two places!
Baby’s First Measurements & Breastfeeding
After at least an hour of uninterrupted skin-to-skin, it’s time for baby’s measurements. They’ll be weighed, diapered (if they haven’t already had their first meconium poop), and their head circumference will be checked. Some hospitals also do footprints—adorable keepsakes!
For those choosing to breastfeed, getting baby to the breast within the first hour is hugely beneficial. This early latch helps stimulate milk production and supports baby’s transition. If baby is constantly being taken off your chest for measurements or checks, they can burn through their energy reserves before feeding, leading to a sleepy baby who struggles to nurse effectively. Keeping baby skin-to-skin as much as possible helps promote a smoother breastfeeding journey.
Birth: More Than Just “Having a Baby”
Many people assume birth is as simple as delivering a baby and enjoying those first moments, but so much happens simultaneously to keep both you and baby safe. The postpartum journey is just beginning, and there’s even more to know about the days and weeks ahead.
Curious about what happens next? Check out my postpartum recovery guide! I bet there are a few things in there that will surprise you.
Wishing you an informed, empowered birth experience! See you in the next one. 💛
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