The moments after the birth
Your baby has arrived. Congratulations! However you gave birth, the moment you meet your baby has finally come.
Your baby's first moments
This is the exciting moment you have been waiting for. It is worth planning for the first moments when your baby comes into the world and meets you.
Your baby has spent nine months in a warm bath at a constant temperature, with food and drink on tap. Your baby will need to breath air for the first time, adapt to the cool air, and get ready for a first feed. It's a lot. And as long as you are both well, lying in skin contact with you is the safest place for your baby while adapting to life outside the womb.
Baby's first checks
The midwife will give your baby an initial check, weigh them and offer to give your baby vitamin K. If you are in a birth centre or obstetric unit, your baby will be labelled with your details.
You will have a chance to discuss newborn vitamin K during your pregnancy. It helps to prevent a rare but serious bleeding disorder called haemorrhage disease of the newborn. It is usually given as an injection. This is the recommendation as the whole dose gets to your baby straight away. It is possible to give vitamin K orally, although more doses will be needed, and this route is not as protective.