Although we often focus on the mother, it is clear that for the baby, birth implies the discovery of a new world of sensations. What changes does the newborn face? The temperature, hunger, breathing ... are just some of those novelties after leaving the womb.
Room temperature The baby goes from a stable and uniform temperature of the amniotic fluid to an obvious "cold". Therefore, we must ensure that the baby does not lose temperature, placing a hat and especially placing it in contact with the mother's body, skin to skin.
The force of gravity. It was virtually unnoticed in the mother's womb, when the baby floats in the amniotic fluid. Suddenly, the body gains weight and movements require an unprecedented effort, especially from its proportionately larger and heavier part, the head, which we have to help support. Baby movements are very limited at the moment.
- The skin in the air. If before it was in contact with the amniotic fluid, at birth it disappears and, although there is a layer of vernix caseosa or sebaceous joint that keeps it hydrated, the dermis will soon notice the dryness. That is why it is not necessary to remove that layer immediately! The vernix contains substances that protect the baby against bacterial invasion at birth and keep it hydrated.
- The first breath When passing through the birth canal, the amniotic fluid is reabsorbed and expelled from the airways and on the first aspiration of the baby, which may take a few seconds, the pulmonary alveoli fill with air, which displaces the remaining fluid and is put in March the pulmonary circulation. The lungs swell and start working on their own.
- Placental circulation ceases, when separating from the organ that united the fetus to the mother, the placenta. The vascular system of the newborn is also modified, which works independently. It is recommended to delay cutting the umbilical cord even until it stops beating so that all the benefits, especially iron stores, reach the baby.
- Feeling hungry. In the mother's womb, the fetus does not go hungry, but when the maternal nutrient supply is suspended, energies must be sought on its own. After the birth effort, he needs to feed himself and the sooner we put him to the chest, the better.
- Chest suction The sucking reflex is innate and even in the womb the fetus can suck his finger. Now he has to get hooked on the nipple and mom's smell will encourage him to reach him. This reflex is essential in the newborn to stimulate the nipple, produce prolactin and cause the rise of milk for breastfeeding
- New smells The smells of the mother's food reach the fetus through the amniotic fluid (this could define their olfactory preferences), but at birth you will notice many other stimuli that reach the smell. He immediately recognizes the smell of mom, which gives him tranquility and calm.
- And there was light. Although in the womb the baby can see a certain luminosity in the gloom, it will be at birth when he really discovers how bright the world is, even when he perceives only shadows at first and his ability to focus is quite limited. Some hospitals provide a smooth environment so that the transition is not so abrupt.
- A world of sounds. The fetus already hears in the womb, but not with such intensity. Suddenly, the intensity of the sounds is multiplied, so we must also try to "lower the volume."
As we see, there are many changes and some quite shocking, so It is convenient that we accompany our baby in this transit and make him feel safe and loved, softening that "hard road" that everyone has to go through.
Photos | iStock
In Babies and more | The first exploration of the newborn: reflexes, how much does the baby premiere at birth? The senses of the newborn
