Birth
of the Placenta
The placenta,
which has provided the fetus with nourishment, is attached to
the umbilical cord and is delivered about 20 minutes after the
baby. Do not pull on the cord; delivery of the placenta occurs
on its own. You can help by gently massaging the woman’s
lower abdomen. The uterus will feel like a hard round mass.
Massaging
the abdomen helps the uterus contract, which also helps stop bleeding.
After the placenta is delivered, place it in a plastic bag to take
with the woman and baby to the hospital. It is normal for more
bleeding to occur after delivery of the placenta. Continue gently
massaging the woman’s lower abdomen.
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