The baby is born and takes its first breath. But it’s not over. India examines how the body reacts and recovers in this first hour, how the placenta is born, and how bonding begins between parents and baby. And what if it doesn’t? It’s not always instant love, and that’s okay. India speaks to doula Leila Baker and former midwife Rachel Reed about building that enchantment a different way when the rush of hormones doesn’t have the expected effect. Midwife Leah Hazard describes the immediate aftercare and India asks Dr Alison Wright about how more personalised care could improve mothers experiences.

Produced and Presented by: India Rakusen.
Series producer: Ellie Sans.
Production Team: Ella McLeod & Georgia Arundell
Executive producer: Suzy Grant.
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Original music composed and performed by ESKA.
Mix and Mastering by Charlie Brandon-King.

A Listen Production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.