The doctor examines the genitals . In a boy, the testes should be present in the scrotum. Immediately after a normal birth, the mother is helped by the delivery room staff to hold her baby. Breastfeeding may be initiated at this time if the mother wishes. The father is also encouraged to hold the baby and share these moments.
Some experts believe that early physical contact with the baby helps establish bonding.
However, parents can bond well with their babies even when the first hours aren't spent together. During the first few days after birth, the parents learn to feed, bathe, and dress the baby and become familiar with its activities and sounds. Although mother and baby used to spend a week or more in the hospital, today that period has shrunk to a day or two. The plastic cord clamp on the umbilical cord is removed 24 hours after birth. The stump that remains should be moistened daily with an alcohol solution.