Welcoming your newborn at the hospital is an emotional, transformative experience. Once your baby is born, a series of medical and emotional milestones begin right away — for both of you.
🕒 Immediately After Birth (First Minutes to 2 Hours)
- Initial Assessment (Apgar Score):
Within the first minute and again at 5 minutes after birth, your baby will receive an Apgar score — a quick test of:- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Muscle tone
- Reflexes
- Skin color
- Skin-to-Skin Contact:
Unless medical attention is needed, your baby will be placed directly on your chest. This supports bonding, regulates baby’s temperature, and helps initiate breastfeeding. - Umbilical Cord Cutting:
The cord is typically clamped and cut a few minutes after birth (some hospitals offer delayed clamping).
⏱️ First Few Hours in the Delivery Room or Recovery
- Weight, Length, and Measurements:
Nurses will weigh your baby, measure their length and head circumference. - Vitamin K Injection:
Prevents bleeding issues by helping the baby’s blood clot properly. - Eye Ointment:
An antibiotic ointment is applied to prevent eye infections from bacteria during delivery. - First Feeding:
Breastfeeding is usually encouraged within the first hour. Formula feeding is also supported if you choose or need it.
🏥 First 24–48 Hours in the Hospital
Depending on your hospital’s procedures and your baby’s health, you can expect:
🔬 Newborn Screenings & Tests
- Blood Test (Heel Stick):
Around 24 hours after birth, a small blood sample is taken from your baby’s heel to screen for metabolic and genetic disorders. - Hearing Test:
A non-invasive test checks your baby’s response to sound. - Heart Defect Screening:
A pulse oximetry test checks oxygen levels to detect potential congenital heart problems.
💉 Optional Vaccinations
- Hepatitis B Vaccine:
Often given before discharge with your consent.
🤱 Feeding & Diapering
- Newborns feed every 2–3 hours, whether breastfed or formula-fed.
- Expect at least 1 wet diaper on Day 1, increasing daily.
😴 Baby’s Appearance and Behavior
- Vernix: A white, creamy substance that protected your baby’s skin in the womb.
- Swollen Genitals or Puffy Eyes: Totally normal due to hormones and delivery pressure.
- Crying and Startling: Healthy reflexes — crying is their main way of communication.
- Sleep: Newborns sleep 16–18 hours a day in short bursts.
🧾 Before You Go Home
Most hospitals discharge:
- Vaginal birth: 24–48 hours
- C-section: 48–72 hours
Before leaving, hospital staff will ensure:
- Your baby passed required screenings
- You have a pediatrician follow-up scheduled (usually within 2–3 days)
- You’re confident with baby care (feeding, diapering, sleep safety)
- You have a properly installed car seat
❤️ Final Thoughts
The hospital stay with your newborn is short but meaningful. Use this time to ask questions, rest when you can, and bond with your baby. Don’t hesitate to call for help — the nurses and care team are there to support you.