Mothers have been delivering babies for thousands of years, and although complications are rare, the level of emotions can quickly escalate out of control. It is important to remain calm and remember that you are only there to assist the mother and not actually perform the delivery. A few key interventions can ease the delivery process. The mother and baby should be evaluated by a physician or medical provider as soon after the delivery as possible.
Step 1
Call for help. Calling for help activates the 911 system of responders, including the public safety dispatcher who you will speak with directly. The dispatcher will be able to use medical reference cards to guide you step-by-step through the delivery process.
Step 2
Prepare the mother for delivery. The second stage is marked by the complete dilation of the cervix, and the descent of the baby into the vaginal canal for delivery. The continuous contractions will push the baby down until the head presents at the vaginal opening, called crowning. If the baby is crowning, delivery is imminent. Find a comfortable spot, such as the bed or the floor, where the mother can lie as comfortably as possible to push. According to Intermediate Emergency Care of the Sick and Injured, if the baby is crowning, place a gloved hand against the baby's head and apply gentle counter pressure to avoid any tearing of the mother's skin.
Step 3
Support the delivery of the baby. As the head emerges, use the bulb syringe to suction the baby's mouth and nose. Feel to ensure the umbilical cord is not wrapped around the baby's neck. The baby's shoulders will present next. Gently apply downward pressure on the baby's head to allow the shoulder slip out from under the mother's pelvic bone. When the shoulders are out, be prepared for the rest of the baby to deliver.
Step 4
Wrap the baby in a clean towel and dry it vigorously. Be careful, the baby will be slippery. The vigorous drying will stimulate the baby to cry if this has not already happened. Wrap the baby in another clean towel, making sure to cover the top of the head but leaving the face exposed. Keep the baby at the level of the mother's pelvis until medical help arrives. According to My Midwife, after 10 minutes, the pulse in the cord will stop and you can tie it in two spots with the first one at least 6 inches from the baby.
Step 5
Deliver the placenta. This part of the birthing process is as natural as the delivery of the baby. The uterus will deliver the placenta within a few minutes. Pulling or tugging on the umbilical cord may cause a tear in the cord or placenta and result in life-threatening bleeding. If the placenta delivers before medical help arrives, wrap the cord and placenta in a plastic bag or bowl to be evaluated at the hospital. Persistent bleeding or infection can result if any piece of the placenta remains on the uterus. Keep mom and baby as warm and comfortable as possible.
Tips and Warnings
- Providing firm circular rubs on the mother's belly below the belly button will slow bleeding after the placenta has delivered. This is not intended to replace medical advice provided by your physician or other health-care provider.
- Discourage the mother from using the bathroom during delivery. This may cause severe injury to the mother and baby. According to Medline Plus, breech presentations are considered abnormal and include presentation of the buttocks, arms, legs or shoulder. This is an obstetrical emergency and the mother needs immediate medical attention. The umbilical cord wrapped around the baby's neck is another obstetrical emergency. The mother needs immediate medical attention.
Things You'll Need
- Disposable exam gloves
- Bulb syringe
- Clean towels
- Plastic bag or bowl
- Two 6-inch strings
References
- "Fundamentals of Emergency Care"; Richard Beebe, RN, Deborah Funk, MD; 2001
- "Intermediate Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured"; Rhonda Beck, NREMT-P; 2005
- My Midwife: A Guide to Emergency Preparedness for Childbirth
- Medline Plus: Delivery Presentations
