Care of the Baby in the Delivery Room The birth of a baby is one
of life's most wondrous moments. Few experiences can compare
with this event. Newborn babies have amazing abilities, yet they
are completely dependent on others for every aspect--feeding,
warmth, and comfort. Amazing physical changes occur with birth.
When the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord is cut and
clamped near the navel. This ends the baby's dependence on the
placenta for oxygen and nutrition. As the baby takes the first
breath, air moves into the lungs. Before birth, the lungs are
not used to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, and need less
blood supply. The fetal circulation sends most of the blood
supply away from the lungs through special connections in the
heart and the large blood vessels. When a baby begins to breathe
air at birth, the change in pressure in the lungs helps close
the fetal connections and redirect the blood flow. Now blood is
pumped to the lungs to help with the exchange of oxygen and
carbon dioxide. Some babie