How to Interact with Your Baby in the First 24 Hours After Birth

Many women feel euphoric during the first 24 hours after birth, even a little "spaced out", as the cocktail of hormones (oxytocin, endorphins, and adrenaline) generated during labor still reap their benefit - especially following a natural birth. Although you may feel exhilarated and excited to be cuddling your new baby at last, it is important to try to rest as much as you can - even if you are unable to sleep; this facilitates your healthy postnatal recovery and encourages the production of your breast milk. The initial 24 hours is a unique time when you can simply "be" with your new baby, hopefully without any other responsibilities. It is a time for taking your first steps along the lifelong path of discovering who your new child is.

If this is your first baby you will be shown how to change her nappy. You will notice (if she has not passed them already) that her first stools are made up of a greenish black sticky substance (meconium). The meconium clears through her system as she begins to feed and will change in color and consistency within the first two to three days.

You will see that she breathes through her nose and occasionally holds her breath, which, as long as she remains a healthy pink color rather than turning a dusky blue, is normal - although it is common for new mothers to constantly check their babies to make sure that they are still breathing. You will find out that she can gag and cough if she needs to clear her throat, and sneeze if she needs to clear her nose. She may seem reluctant to settle in her cot and be more content when she is held in your arms. This is no cause for concern. She has been contained within your body for the last nine months and she may feel safer staying close to you where she can smell your skin and hear your heartbeat.

If you have decided to breastfeed then you will already have begun to establish this, allowing her to feed when she indicates she is interested and requesting support if necessary to ensure that she is well positioned when she latches on and suckles.