Placenta Resources
Labor can be looked at in three phases; early + active labor, birth of baby and delivery of placenta.
After birthing your baby, your body is still surging with oxytocin, which continues to work the uterus down assisting in the delivery of the placenta.
It is important to note what is normal and what is not when it comes to placenta delivery, so let’s discuss.
Understanding the Placenta
The placenta is what provides the baby with oxygen and nutrients while in utero.
It is also responsible for filtering waste from the baby’s blood.
The placenta attaches to the wall of the uterus and the baby’s umbilical cord comes from it.
This is an extremely important and phenomenal organ.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any kind of patient client relationship by your own use of this website. We strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute or any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the area of your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical decisions.
Delivering the Placenta
It is common for the hospital setting to deliver the placenta within minutes after birth.
However, placentas can take up to an hour or more to deliver.
We recommend that the baby stay attached and not clamped to receive full blood, oxygen and any remaining nutrients.
This is called optimal cord clamping and you can read up on the benefits of that here.
You will experience mild cramping until the delivery of the placenta.
The placenta should not be tugged or pulled on while it is still attached to the uterine wall.
This can cause separation and leftover pieces.
After delivering the placenta it can be viewed to ensure it is intact.
Tips for Delivering the Placenta without Medication
If you are having a difficult time delivering the placenta and would like to know what your options are before receiving Pitocin, here are a few things that you can do for yourself.
Identify your uterus and gently push as softly or firmly as you can tolerate, (the uterus is expressed to feel much like a firm tennis ball and usually found above the belly button)
You can gently pull/tug in a diamond-like motion (forward, right, back, left); if it is still showing signs of resistance, it may not be ready. But if it is sitting right at the top of the cervix it will more than likely slip right on out.
Sitting on a birthing stool or the toilet could help release the placenta
Skin-to-skin with baby and breastfeeding can release oxytocin encouraging the uterus to contract and urging the placenta out.
First 12 Hours After Birth
It is crucial that you rest your body after birth.
Even if adrenaline is pumping and you cannot sleep, resting your body in bed is needed.
Skin-to-skin contact is important during these first few hours as this benefits the breastfeeding relationship and the baby’s natural instinct to latch.
Your body just went through a journey of a lifetime, take the time to rest before you take on the world with your new baby.