Immediately after giving birth
The first examinations of the child
In the minutes following delivery, your baby undergoes a first medical examination. This is practiced by the midwife or doctor. The newborn is examined from head to toe. The aim is to check its vital functions and rule out complications.
- The evaluation of the Apgar index is the first step. Depending on the result obtained, the child's vitality is judged to be good or average. The ideal index is 10/10. This corresponds to a heart rate above 100, a loud cry immediately after birth, good reflexes and pink skin. Between 3 and 7, it means that the baby has suffered from some complications during childbirth. This exam is very important. If it turns out to be negative, the newborn is immediately taken to resuscitation.
- The doctor also performs a neurological examination. This allows you to observe muscle strength and a series of reflexes related to the child's natural hypertonia.
- Check of sight and hearing.
- In case of doubt, a series of more in-depth examinations will be carried out during the stay on maternity leave.
The maternity stay
After giving birth, you will feel great fatigue. Your body needs to recover. The stay in the maternity ward has been shortened more and more in recent years. On average, it is 5 days. Take the opportunity to get help and rest as much as you can.
A few hours after giving birth, you will have milk whipping. If you have decided to breastfeed, it will be time to latch the baby to the breast.
Your state of health
Your state of health is constantly monitored: pulse, pressure, body temperature. You are then followed minute by minute and you can rest peacefully.
A precious help
To help inexperienced young mothers, as well as others, nursing homes are available to lend a hand. The first treatments are carried out in the room.
Staying in the maternity ward allows you to learn the essential gestures to take care of your baby. Midwives and nurses can answer your questions and show you the right gestures.
Time for visits
It is a crucial moment. Loved ones rush to the new mother's room to see the baby. Even if the visits make you happy, don't overdo it. Take the opportunity to rest and spend some moments alone with your baby. Friends will come to visit you another time. You will come home too soon ...
