In The Beginning

Your baby might not look like you imagined, or you may see a family resemblance right away. If her head seems slightly enlongated or 'molded', don't worry - it'll soon return to normal. You might also see streaks of blood, creamy white vernix and fine downy hair on her body (overdue babies also tend to have peeling skin around the wrists and ankles). One in every two newborns have birthmarks ('stork bites'), often on the back of the neck. This is normal, and will usually fade in time.

If your baby is calm and not drowsy from any drugs used in labor, she may stare at you. This heightened awareness lasts around an hour and is nature's way of helping her to get to know you quickly. Newborn babies focus best at around 8 to 14 inches - about the distance you would naturally hold her, altho her vision is very fuzzy at first.

Your First Feelings

Elated, exhausted, shaking, relieved, overjoyed or a complete sense of anti-climax. There is no single 'right' way to feel after giving birth. If your reaction isn't what you expected, remember that birth can be a shock physically and emotionally. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you.

For 12 hours after giving birth, you and your baby experience high levels of endorphins, natural chemicals that give you a feeling of euphoria. But studies have shown that 60% of new mothers don't feel an instant bond with their baby, and need time to get to know her. Cuddling, making eye contact and talking to her will help you form an attachment.

Getting Close

Holding your own baby can seem daunting at first (but not to her), especially if you've never held a tiny baby before. But she's happiest when being held close - the warmth of your skin and sound of your voice reassures her.

If you plan on breastfeeding, let the baby suckle as soon after birth as possible. It's the most natural way to have close contact with her. Prolactin, the milk-releasing hormone, also stimulates instinctive nurturing within you, and encourages the baby to search for the nipple. Don't worry if you're unsure about what to do - the nurse or midwife wil show you. The baby's suckling also triggers the release of other hormones that help you deliver the afterbirth, if you haven't already done so. Some babies are very sleepy and not interested immediately after birth; others suck so vigorously to begin with that a small painless blister forms on their upper lip.

Checkups

Within minutes after birth, your nurse or doctor will rate your baby's general health using a system known as the Apgar scale. It looks at heart rate, skin color, breathing, muscle tone & overal liveliness. Later, other examinations will include:
• Weight, length and head circumference measurements
• Check to make sure the hips aren't dislocated
• Make sure the anus is properly formed, and if a boy, that the testicles have descended into the scrotum
• Giving the baby vitamin K (either orally or by injection) to help the blood clot effectively & prevent a rare blood disorder (You can talk about this with the doctor or nurse if you have any questions)
• The Guthrie test (the 'heel prick' test) - usually a week after birth, to test for a rare condition known as PKU

Baby Blahs

At least half of all women get the 'baby blues', usually the first week after delivery. This is a short period of mild depression (you may be tearful, insecure or anxious), that may be linked to rapid hormone changes, a feeling of anticlimax after the birth, exhaustion or uncertainty about your new role. Usually it passes within a couple of hours or days, but if you still feel depressed or not yourself for longer and/or you think it may be getting worse, talk to your doctor or a health professional.