During pregnancy baby receives 100% of everything that they need from their mother. So when do they take their first breath?
Babies don’t actually breathe for themselves when they’re in the womb at all. As you breathe, oxygen enters the bloodstream and is transported to the baby via the placenta and through the umbilical cord.
So when do babies take their first breath?
Your baby will usually take their first breath shortly after birth, usually within about 10 seconds.
The first breath immediately after birth is most difficult for baby as it’s the first time that their lungs have ever been used. Within a few breaths baby will have filled their lungs, pushed out any liquid held inside them. After this, their lungs will begin to work effectively.
When the umbilical cord stays attached, baby will be receiving oxygen both from their placenta. They will also be breathing for themselves and this will continue until the umbilical cord stops pulsating.
The first hour after birth should always be just about you and your baby. This is the best way to support your baby through the transition to the outside world. Keeping baby warm with lots of lovely skin to skin will help to regulate baby’s heartbeat, temperature and breathing. That first breastfeed will also help to boost their energy reserves.
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