Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20% Today I’m taking you through the whirlwind of the first 1-2 hours after birth. Whether you've just pushed out your baby vaginally or are planning a cesarean, there's so much happening in these ecstatic, hazy moments, from skin-to-skin bliss to essential checks and choices. I want you to feel empowered, not overwhelmed, so you can advocate for what you want while soaking in that newborn magic. We start right after baby arrives: the relief, possible shaking (totally normal and hormonal!), Apgar scores to gauge baby's transition, and delayed cord clamping (plus how cord blood banking fits in). Then, we cover what’s happening during this third-stage of labor, like Pitocin to prevent bleeding, placenta delivery (usually 15-30 minutes), and any tear repairs. Moving into the fourth stage, I explain fundal checks versus assessments, the golden hour's many skin-to-skin benefits (stress reduction, temp regulation, bonding, oxytocin boost, and breastfeeding support), that first magical breastfeed with colostrum, postpartum meds for pain and stool softening, getting up to pee (tips included!), and newborn procedures like assessments, eye ointment, vitamin K, and hep B vaccine. This is your roadmap to informed consent - nothing here has to be decided on the spot. My hope? You leave these hours feeling knowledgeable, blissful, and deeply connected. Mentioned in this episode: Grab My Free Third Trimester Pack - Birth Plan included!Your Body, Your Birth Course Helpful Timestamps: 01:23 The First Hours After Birth: What to Expect03:43 Understanding the Third and Fourth Stages of Labor05:28 Immediate Post-Birth Procedures and Choices10:08 The Golden Hour13:35 Placenta Delivery and Pitocin Use18:21 Fundal Assessments & Checks21:58 Benefits of Skin-to-Skin27:12 Postpartum Pain Management33:52 Newborn Assessments and Procedures36:52 Transition to Postpartum Care About your host: 🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama. For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for a...
