Stage Three of Labor
Many women think that labor and delivery is over after the baby is born. However, this isn’t the case. The placenta needs to be born for labor to be complete. The placenta is born 5- 30 minutes after your baby is born. The uterus is working to decrease in size and control bleeding.
You may experience contractions that are intermittent + mild.
Due to the release of your hormones you may experience shaking post delivery. If you have seen any videos of women giving birth you may have witnessed this happening. The chances of this happening are even higher if you don't eat or drink throughout your labor.
Healthcare providers may massage the fundus, this can be painful and uncomfortable. It isn't always necessary after birth - some women decide to decline this.
It is routine in many facilities to give Pitocin via IV in the immediate postpartum. This is because it is one way to prevent hemorrhaging. I encourage you to read into the pros and cons of Pitocin before you agree to it!
If Pitocin isn't something you want, there are natural ways to prevent hemorrhaging. For example, skin to skin immediately, breastfeeding, nipple stimulation, a diet rich in red meats, vegetables + fruits, rest, hydration, and avoid rushing the process of delivering the placenta.
Prioritize bonding with your baby. This is called the “ golden hour”. You have the right to postpone any tests until after the first hour. This hour has so many benefits to mom and baby that include the importance of skin to skin contact.
Supports oxytocin levels in both mother and baby
Assist with colonizing the baby with the mother’s bacteria, which helps develop healthy immunity
Skin to skin assist in long term bonding with baby
Keeps the baby warm, The mothers breast plays a role in increasing or decreasing the baby's temperature by up to two degrees celsius, whichever aligns with baby's needs
Stabilizes glucose levels in infants.
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