Post Birth
Immediately following the delivery is the recovery period and then the post partum period. Both of these times are for you to bond with your baby and ask questions. Again your nurse is your go to person, although your doctor will answer your questions as well. The doctor performs the delivery, sews up any tears(lacerations) or cuts(episiotomy) you may have, delivers the placenta, and then leaves to allow time to bond with your baby. It is very important to note how important the first few hours are to you and your baby. This is the most important time of bonding for your little family, so take your time to get to enjoy your baby before introducing him/her to the world.
Recovery:
During this period the nurses will check several things: your uterus(or the top called the fundus), to ensure it is firm and contracting back to normal size, your bleeding to ensure you are not bleeding too much, and your vitals sign(blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respirations). Although this may seem annoying and overkill, your body has just experienced a major event so to ensure a healthy mom, you are monitored.
Post Partum:
Post partum is the time immediately following recovery to 6 weeks after delivery. This is a time when your body is returning to normal, you form a bond with and get to know your baby. In the hospital, during this post partum period, you will be taught and help to perform breast feeding, bathing your baby, changing diapers, and general care and information regarding care for you and your baby as you begin your family. Questions are encouraged and some facilities often offer classes that meet weekly/monthly on caring for your baby. Ask your doctor, nurses, and friends for the community resources available