Parenting is a journey that starts at conception.

You have been on journey during pregnancy, labour and delivery and once you hold your newborn baby on your arms, you might feel lost and confused.

A new born baby will have a a bluish/ molted skin. It is are likely to be covered in amniotic fluid, blood and vernix, which is a cheesy white substance. The skin will start to become pink as they start to breathe — which is about a minute after birth. Your baby’s hands and feet may still appear blueish for several hours.

The amniotic fluid and the vernix are there because they were there in the womb. They are important for your baby to be able to smell and taste after birth. These familiar things help your baby to feel secure outside the womb.