Third Stage
| 5. Delivery of the Placenta | ||
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What is happening |
How you may feel |
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After the baby is born, your uterus rises in your abdomen and becomes round and about the size of a grapefruit. The doctor will give you an injection to help the uterus contract. Putting the baby to your breast will also help the uterus to contract. The doctor ou nurse may support your abdomen as the placenta comes out. There may be a gush of blood as the placenta comes out. If you have had an episiotomy, the local anesthetic will still be working; therefore, it won't hurt to get the stitches. |
Excited, thrilled Happy, grateful, and relieved Proud and fulfilled Tearful Hungry and thirsty Exhausted Absorbed by the baby and looking for assurance that he or she is OK |
| What you can do | How a labour partner can help |
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Relax Push the placenta out if asked to Relax, cuddle, and enjoy your baby and your new family Breastfeed your baby
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Assure the mother that the baby is fine. Offer her something to drink. Hold, cuddle, and enjoy the baby together. Share your feelings. You may feel overwhelmed with emotions. You may feel joy, exhausted, tearful, and relieved that it is over. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. |
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| 4. Delivery | |
