Ideally, the doctor or midwife will place the baby directly on the mother's belly immediately after birth. The nurse dries the baby with a blanket while parents get their first glimpse of their new child.

Once the umbilical cord is cut, the nurse is likely to take the baby to the warmer, for standard newborn procedures. At this time, baby receives a hat, a diaper and a bracelet, and is then wrapped in two blankets.

This is when fathers get a chance to hold their new son or daughter. Do support your baby's head in the crook of your elbow and hold him close to you. Think of how safe your baby feels being held against his parent's warm body. Because it is important to begin breastfeeding before baby falls asleep, the baby should be returned to his mother as soon as possible.

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