First things first: before you make any calls to let people know, before the relatives and friends descend on the hospital, and before all the craziness associated with having a baby begins, take a moment with just the three of you. You, your partner, your child—alone together for the first time. Ain't life grand?

At the moment of birth, the labor and delivery room was a frenzy of activity. Doctors and nurses were all over the place. Your partner was straining and pushing while you cheered her on. Then the baby was born, and shortly thereafter the nurses gave her to your partner so she could hold her and begin to learn how to breastfeed. Amidst all this, you snipped the umbilical cord and got to hold the baby yourself.

There is an understandably anxious feeling that comes with being left alone with a newborn for the first time. If you and your partner do not feel comfortable, ask a nurse to stay in your room for a few minutes. As your confidence grows, she can leave. Ask her to check in on you again in ten minutes.

At some appropriate moment, you and your new family have a right to some peace and quiet. Ask the medical staff, the doula, and anyone else who may have assisted in the labor to leave the room because you and your partner want to be alone with the baby. It's not rude at all, and everyone will understand.