Birth is an intense experience not only for you but also for the baby too. For nine months, the baby has been living in the womb, cradled and cushioned by the amniotic fluid, completely safe and secure. Suddenly she is exposed to powerful uterine contractions, which slowly move her from the confines of the uterus, through the pelvic bones and out through the birth canal (vagina) into the outside world to begin the journey called life.

Baby and First Stage of Labour

Your labour class will tell you that the first stage of labour is the opening of the mouth of the uterus to 10 cms. What does the baby experience at this time? Pressure builds up around the babies buttocks as the uterus contracts and propels her forward. Pressure is also felt on her head where it is directed through the opening mouth of the uterus. The experience is like wearing a tight turtleneck sweater. The uterus contracts and hugs the baby with growing intensity as labour progresses.

Your baby actually helps you during labour. Although it is widely accepted that it is the uterine activity which propels the baby forward, it is also foetal activity which helps labour progress smoothly. The baby, with its head movement, wriggles out of the birth canal and with foot movement, pushes against the uterus and hence away from it.

Baby and Second Stage of Labour

Once the mouth of the uterus is open, the baby is propelled out through the birth canal. This process is difficult as the baby has to make a 90 degree turn. You can be in an upright position to help your baby achieve this. The baby's head crowns and is then pushed out into the world. The baby senses air, space, bright lights, unknown faces and cold hands. Her lungs fill with air and she takes her first breath!

Baby and Third Stage of Labour

All new babies cry at birth but ever wondered why they cry so much? The first cry signals the lungs filling up and the first breath. The crying ceases when your baby is handed to you.

The baby cries when she is in a strange environment with strange people but in her mother's arms, she hears the familiar heartbeat, her mother's soothing voice and loving touch and this calms her. She focuses on her mother's face for the first time and it is an intense moment of bonding between mother and child.

This moment is the true transition for the baby from the womb to the outside world.