The birth of a child is one of life’s most wonderful experiences. Few experiences can compete with this one. Newborn babies have incredible abilities. They are, however, dependent on others for food, warmth, and comfort. Birth causes amazing physical changes.

The umbilical cord is clamped and cut near the navel when a baby is born. The baby is no longer dependent on the placenta for oxygen and nutrition. Air enters the lungs when a baby takes its first breath. The lungs do not exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide before birth, so they require less blood supply. Fetal circulation transports the majority of the blood from the lungs to the heart and large blood vessels via special connections.

When a baby begins breathing air at birth, the change in pulmonary pressure aids in the closure of intrauterine connections and the redirection of blood flow. Blood is now being pumped to the lungs to aid in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Some children have an excess of fluid in their lungs. Massage and skin stroking can help to stimulate your baby’s crying. This raises the fluid, allowing it to be sucked out of the nose and mouth.