Birthing - Placental delivery

The last part of the birthing process is the delivery of the placenta. The delivery of the placenta usually follows the birth of the baby by less than one hour. It can occur within five minutes or it may take some time. Nursing the baby during this period helps because the stimulation of the nipples causes uterine contractions that help separate the placenta from the uterine wall, arrest bleeding, and shrink the size of the uterus. The placenta should be delivered in one solid piece.

It is during this time that any tears or surgical cuts will be repaired by the doctor. The episiotomy will be stitched.