What to expect immediately after birth?

[domuch]

The Childbirth section seemed quiet, so I thought I'd post here.

How long was it before you were able to get cleaned up etc? Were you left alone or was there always someone about? How did you feel physically? When did you let people know baby was here?

I know it will be different for everyone and complications can happen, but general pointers would be great. I don't really know what to expect.

They also said on our birthing course that they give an injection right after delivery of baby, to aid the delivery of the placenta, I think.
And they give the baby an injection while they're in hospital, if you agree, to protect them against something, I've forgotten what. If you don't agree, they have to have several oral doses over the next few weeks so they're not fully protected until they're about a month old.
There was a hysterical thread a few months ago about what women in labour have said and done while off their faces on the drugs, from declaring undying love to the anaethetist to trying to climb out of windows and go home mid delivery. Well worth a read for a laugh.

I'm a dinosaur who doesn't know how to do links but it's called How Did You Show Yourself Up During Labour

Just to say, you absolutely don’t have to have the injection in your leg for the placenta unless it doesn’t deliver naturally. I also requested delayed cord clamping.

DD was born at 3.45pm then I held her as I was stitched up. An hour of skin on skin/attempting breastfeeding then up to the postnatal ward for a shower, tea and toast and checks for DD. Birth was straightforward and everything was fine…back home by 7.45pm!
it was brilliant as I’d been dreading staying on the ward due to horror stories I’d read on here. Everyone else I know stayed at least one night in hospital so I think that’s definitely the norm, wondering now if the hospital I gave birth at was just overcrowded or something which is why they were so keen to send me home!