What is the expected first action of a newborn immediately after delivery?

The expected first action of a newborn immediately after delivery is for the baby to start to cry. Crying serves as a crucial indicator of the infant's well-being and respiratory function. When a newborn cries, it helps to clear fluid from the airways and stimulates lung expansion, which is essential for the baby's first breaths. This initial cry also signals to healthcare providers that the baby is responsive and transitioning appropriately to the outside environment.

While placing the baby on the mother's chest is indeed important for bonding and thermal regulation, it typically occurs after the baby has established breathing and does not take precedence over the immediate need for the newborn to breathe and cry. Similarly, swaddling and feeding the baby with formula are important aspects of care but are secondary to ensuring that the newborn's respiratory status is stable and that they begin crying to confirm this. Overall, the newborn's first cry is a vital sign of their successful transition from prenatal to postnatal life.