Although we often focus on the mother, it is clear that for the baby, birth involves the discovery of a new world of sensations.
What does the newborn feel in the first hours of life? What changes are you facing? Temperature, hunger, breathing … are just some of the baby’s first sensations after leaving the womb .
Ambient temperature
The baby goes from a stable and uniform temperature of the amniotic fluid to an obvious “cold”. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the baby does not lose temperature, placing it in contact with the mother’s body, skin to skin.
The force of gravity
This was practically unnoticed in the mother’s womb, when the baby floats in the amniotic fluid. Suddenly, the body gains weight and movements require an unprecedented effort, especially from its proportionally larger and heavier part, the head, which we have to help support. The baby’s movements are very limited at the moment.
Skin in the air
If before it was in contact with the amniotic fluid, at birth it disappears and, although there is a layer of caseous vernix or sebaceous oil that keeps it hydrated, soon the dermis will notice the dryness. That’s why you don’t need to remove that layer right away! Vernix contains substances that protect the baby against bacterial invasion at birth and keep it hydrated.
The first breath
The first breath. As it passes through the birth canal, the amniotic fluid is reabsorbed and expelled from the airways and in the first aspiration of the baby, which can take a few seconds, the pulmonary alveoli fill with air, which displaces the remaining fluid and is put into march the pulmonary circulation. The lungs swell and begin to work on their own.
Own circulation
Placental circulation ceases , as it separates from the organ that joined the fetus to the mother, the placenta. The vascular system of the newborn is also modified, which begins to function independently. It is recommended to delay the cutting of the umbilical cord even until it stops beating so that all the benefits reach the baby, especially the iron stores.
Feeling hungry
In the womb, the fetus does not starve, but when the maternal nutrient supply is cut off, it must procure energy for itself. After the effort of birth, it needs to feed and the sooner we put it to the breast, the better.
Suction reflex to the chest
The sucking reflex is innate and even in the womb the fetus can suck its thumb. Now he has to latch on to the nipple and the smell of mom will encourage him to get to him. This reflex is essential in the newborn to stimulate the nipple, produce prolactin and cause the milk to rise for breastfeeding.
New smells
The odors of the mother’s food reach the fetus through the amniotic fluid (this could define her olfactory preferences), but at birth she will notice many other stimuli that reach the smell. He immediately recognizes the scent of mom, which gives him tranquility and calm.
And there was light
Although in the womb the baby can see some luminosity in the twilight, it will be at birth that he really discovers how bright the world is, even when he perceives only shadows at first and his ability to focus is quite limited. Some hospitals provide a smooth environment so that the transition is not so abrupt.
A world of sounds
The fetus already hears in the womb, but not with such intensity. Suddenly, the intensity of the sounds multiplies, so we also have to try to “lower the volume”.
As we can see, there are many changes and some quite shocking, so it is convenient that we accompany our baby in this transit and make him feel safe and loved, softening that “hard road” that everyone has to go through.
In Babies and more | The newborn’s first cry: why does the baby cry at birth
