Most of the information relating to your baby's well being comes from observation. Your caregiver will observe your baby after the birth by listening, watching and touching them. The baby's breathing pattern will vary depending on their level of activity, a crying baby will have a very different breathing rate compared to one who is quiet or asleep. Many new babies are 'snuffly' or 'gurgly' for an hour or two after birth, but this should not interfere with their feeding.
Most babies will lie with their limbs partially flexed and active meaning there is good muscle tone and reflexes. A baby who is 'floppy' or has muscle tone like a 'rag doll' would be of concern. The baby's skin colour should be pinkish after a few minutes and their lips should be red in colour. This indicates the baby is breathing enough oxygen.
Your caregiver may use the back of their hand on the baby's forehead to feel if they are warm, or use a thermometer to check the baby's temperature before bathing or transferring the baby with the mother to the postnatal ward.
Your caregiver will also carry out a physical head to toe check, usually at the time the baby is being weighed and measured. This is covered in more detail in
newborn examination.