The birth of a child is one of the most wonderful moments in life. Few experiences compare to this event. Newborn babies have amazing abilities. However, they are dependent on others for food, warmth, and comfort. Amazing physical changes occur with birth.

When a baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut near the navel. This ends the baby’s dependence on the placenta for oxygen and nutrition. When a baby takes its first breath, air enters the lungs. Before birth, the lungs are not used to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide and need less blood supply. The fetal circulation sends most of the blood from the lungs through special connections to the heart and large blood vessels.

When a baby starts breathing air at birth, the change in pressure in the lungs helps close the intrauterine connections and redirect blood flow. The blood is now pumped to the lungs to help with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Some children have too much fluid in their lungs. Stimulating your baby to cry with massage and skin stroking can help. This lifts the fluid up where it can be sucked out of the nose and mouth.