Our birth clients typically come to us with some idea of how they want labor to go, and writing that part of the birth plan is pretty intuitive. But when we first ask them how they feel about the typical newborn procedures at their hospital, we sometimes get a deer in the headlights look.
“There are newborn procedures?” seems to be the response that they want to give.
Yes! There are. And just like everything else about your birth experience, as your doulas, we want you to know ahead of time what’s likely to happen, and what options you have. So once your baby arrives, what happens?
Immediately after birth, the medical professionals in the room will be watching your baby, to see how they’re doing.
There’s a test called the APGAR that’s done at one minute and five minutes after birth. Apgar is both the name of Dr. Virginia Apgar, it’s originator, and an acronym for activity, pulse, grimace, appearance and respiration. This test gives doctors, midwives and nurses an indication of how your baby tolerated labor, and is adjusting after birth. If your baby scores poorly (7 or below) then further attention may be needed.
You may barely notice this test is being done, since you’ll likely be so over the moon with your little one and your own accomplishment. In most area hospitals, your baby can be with you in bed while the APGAR is done.
Your baby is likely to stay cuddled with you skin to skin under a few blankets for much of the first hour, in fact. Many area hospitals observe what we call “The Golden Hour”, which is time for you and your child to connect and bond.
During this time if you’re planning to breastfeed, nurses and your doula can help you and baby with your first latch.
(We should state, for the record, if something interrupts this first hour, it’s okay. You have the rest of your baby’s life to bond and breastfeed.)
After some time has passed, your baby will be weighed, measured, and footprints will be taken.
At this point there are three standard procedures that our clients sometimes have questions about:
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Erythromycin Eye Ointment
This is an antibiotic ointment given to babies to prevent infections. These infections are pretty rare, and primarily found to be caused by STIs. However, they can lead to serious vision problems and even blindness so out of caution, hospitals give this standard.
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Vitamin K
When babies are born, they don’t yet produce vitamin K, affecting their blood’s ability to clot. Because of concerns about internal bleeding after birth, vitamin K is given as a preventive measure. This is typically given as an injection, but you may request drops as an alternative and see if they’re available.
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Hepatitis B Vaccine
Many adults don’t realize that they have hepatitis, and it’s considered highly contagious. You may choose not to give this vaccine shortly after birth, and discuss it with your child’s pediatrician.
Assuming that your baby is healthy and thriving, these things are usually done shortly after birth while you’re still in your labor room at DC, Maryland and Virginia hospitals.
Your baby stays in the room with you, and gets taken care of nearby.
When we help our doula clients think through newborn procedures, and any other ones, we use BRAIN.
Everything has benefits, risks, alternatives, and you’ll have an intuition about it. In some instances you can choose to do nothing or wait.
Many of our clients are fine with what typically happens and just glad to know what’s coming. If you have concerns about any of this, or want to learn about an alternative, your best bet is to discuss this with your provider ahead of time, and ask about the hospital procedures. Your OB or midwife can guide you, and we’ll be right there to support.
For more information on labor doulas click here.
