7. What Happens Right After Birth: 6 Things No One Tells You

Send us Fan MailMost birth preparation focuses on labor and pushing but very few parents are truly prepared for what happens immediately after the baby is born.In this episode, we walk through the first minutes and hours after birth and talk about what is normal, what is routine, and where you may have options. For many moms, this phase feels confusing or overwhelming...not because anything went wrong, but because no one explained what to expect.This is a practical, educational episode covering:Why birth doesn’t end when the baby is bornThe physiology and importance of immediate skin-to-skin contactWhat happens during the delivery of the placenta (the third stage of labor)Common sensations after birth, including shaking, bleeding, and exhaustionFundal checks and why they’re doneNewborn procedures and how to protect the “golden hour”The emotional whiplash that can happen after birth (and why it’s normal)The goal of this episode is not to create fear, but to replace uncertainty with understanding so you can prepare for this phase of birth with the same intentionality you bring to labor.Resources & Research Mentioned:Cochrane Review: Strong evidence supports skin-to-skin contact after birthWHO: Immediate skin-to-skin care for newborn survivalUNICEF: Research on skin-to-skin contact Evidence Based Birth: The third stage of labor and PitocinJust getting started?Use my free pregnancy and birth research checklist to jumpstart your learning.Free roadmap to planning a natural birth:10 Steps to Natural Birth Want to feel more confident making decisions in labor?Join the Autonomous Birth Workshop to learn how to advocate for yourself and navigate birth with clarity.Free Scripture-Based Affirmation CardsFor encouragement and truth as you prepare for birth, download my Free Scripture-Based Affirmation CardsConnect with me on Instagram:@rise.birth