The first hours, days and weeks after childbirth are a dangerous time for both mother and newborn infant. Among the more than 500 000 women who die each year due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth (1), most deaths occur during or immediately after childbirth (2). Every year three million infants die in the first week of life, and another 900 000 die in the next three weeks (3). Bleeding and infection following childbirth account for many maternal deaths (4), while preterm birth, asphyxia and severe infections contribute to two thirds of all neonatal deaths (5). Appropriate care in the first hours and days after childbirth could prevent the great majority of these deaths. Thus, it has been recommended that skilled health professionals attend all births, to assure the best possible outcome for both mother and newborn infant (6). A large proportion of women continue to lack such care, however. On average, skilled birth attendants cover 66% of births worldwide, and some parts of Africa and Asia have much lower coverage rates (7). The fact that two thirds of maternal and newborn deaths occur in the first two days after birth (5,8) testifies to the inadequacy of care. Care in the period following birth is critical not only for survival but also to the future of mothers and newborn babies. Major changes occur during this period that determine their well-being and potential for a healthy future.