Every woman will experience their own emotional reactions after the birth, as will every partner and support person. It is not uncommon to have feelings of excitement and joy, mixed with sheer relief and exhaustion. You have "done it" and the baby is here!
Women are often acutely aware of the physical and emotional demands of where their labour took them, and the hard work it demanded of them. Partners and support people are usually overtaken with emotion and admiration for the woman and overwhelmed with relief that they can soon rest, as their job of supporting is close to completion.
The following are some common emotions that parents have shared as being part of their experience during the first hour after the birth. You can read about these with each other (or separately) by clicking onto the following headings.
