Episode 3 | The 4th Stage of labour – those precious first 2 hours after birth

Podcast Show Notes: Episode 3 | The 4th Stage of labour – those precious first 2 hours after birth

Today, we’re diving into a topic that holds immense significance in the birthing process – the fourth stage of labour.

The fourth stage of labour is often overlooked and rarely gets talked about. It’s the time immediately following birth, typically lasting for the first two hours.

As a midwife, maternal and child health nurse, and mother of four myself, I understand the significance of these precious moments. It’s a time of transition, where the focus shifts from the intense sensations of labour to the overwhelming joy of meeting your newborn for the first time.

Firstly, skin-to-skin contact is encouraged. This intimate moment not only promotes bonding but also regulates the baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing.

Additionally, breastfeeding within the first hour is highly recommended. Your body produces colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold,” packed with essential nutrients and antibodies that bolster your baby’s immune system. It’s nature’s perfect food, tailored specifically to meet your baby’s needs and increases their blood sugar. Many babies are instinctively looking for a breastfeed at this time and will often have a very long breastfeed. If your baby isn’t looking interested, your midwife will help with a few strategies to try to entice them.

If you are choosing to bottle feed, there is no rush to get started this early unless your baby is very unsettled and crying.

While the focus is primarily on bonding, medical assessments are also conducted during this time. Vital signs such as BP, heart rate are monitored, and any immediate concerns are addressed promptly by the healthcare team.

We are also checking the amount of bleeding as this is coming from the placental wound inside your uterus which is the size of a dinner plate so it can bleed quickly if not well contracted. You may feel us gently rub your tummy to assist in contracting the uterus and to feel that it is well contracted.

It’s a delicate balance between nurturing the mother-baby bond and ensuring both are safe and in good health. And we try to do this vey quietly while we let you have this special time with your new baby.

We will also be checking that your baby is transitioning to life outside your uterus and breathing well, that their heart rate is normal and they are staying warm.

But beyond the medical aspects, the fourth stage of labour is a time of amazing transformation. It’s a moment where you realise the incredible strength within you. As you marvel at the miracle of life you’ve created, grown and then brought into the world. Every cry, every sigh, every tiny movement reaffirms the awe-inspiring journey of motherhood and parenthood.

If you can hold off on announcing the birth for these few hours it will give you this time as your own little family unit. This is precious time to get to know each other and enjoy this before being inundated with phone calls and text messages. It also gives your baby a chance to feed before we weigh & measure them – and you know that every will want to know their important measurements!

Connect With Me:

Web: www.BelindaJoyce.com
Facebook: @BelindaJoyceMidwife
Instagram: @belinda_joyce_midwife
TikTok: @belinda_joyce_midwife

Download Belinda’s FREE Baby Bundle:

• Checklists for baby equipment, hospital bag, nappy bag, travel & childcare bag
• Newborn Sleep Flowchart-what to do next
• Baby Feed & Sleep Tracker

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