Delivering a baby is a normal occurrence in a hospital setting or at home with the assistance of a midwife or douhla. In some cases, childbirth can't wait for the arrival of professional assistance. Knowing how to handle the emergency delivery of a baby could help save two lives.
Step 1
Time contractions using a watch with a timer or a second hand. According to Med-Help.net, contractions that are two minutes or less apart signal impending birth. At that point, going to the hospital is out of the question. Call 911 to ensure emergency help is en route.
Step 2
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water, and cleanse the mother's vagina, according to HealthyMeMd. This will eliminate bacteria and eliminate risk of infection during and after the birth. Use sterile gloves to further reduce the risk of contamination.
Step 3
With her knees up, examine the mother's vagina to see whether any bulging is occurring or you can see the baby's head crowning. You will also need to determine if the mother's water has broken, according to Med-Help.net. If her water has broken and hours have elapsed, the risk of infection is higher.
Step 4
Prompt the mother to breathe in through her nose and out through her mouth, resisting the urge to bear down, according to HealthyMeMd. While she is breathing, place towels underneath her hips to elevate her lower half, making delivery easier. If you have time and the mother is able, you can move her to a bed or table. Cover the birth surface with plastic or extra towels.
Step 5
Instruct the mother to pant as the head starts to emerge, while applying pressure to prevent the head from being delivered too fast, according to HealthyMeMd. The head should be delivered gradually while you provide it with constant support. If the cord is around the baby's neck, HealthyMeMed instructs hooking a finger under the cord and lifting it over the baby's head. Stroke the baby's nose and neck in a downward position to clear airways and remove mucous.
Step 6
Hold the baby's head in a downward position with both hands, avoiding applying too much pressure. Instruct the mother to push, in order to deliver the foremost shoulder, according to HealthyMeMd. Raise the baby's head slightly to deliver the other shoulder while the mother pushes one more time.
Step 7
Support the baby's head in an upward position as the rest of the body is delivered. According to Med-Help.net, place the other hand underneath the body so the baby is fully supported and uninjured. Immediately wrap the baby in a clean towel to keep her warm. Also record the time of birth at this time so you can inform the doctor.
Step 8
Raise the baby's hips slightly higher than her head, allowing the mucous to drain properly. According to Med-Help.net, the baby should breathe and cry on her own. Using a bulb syringe, suction out the baby's nose and mouth to remove mucous and open the airways. If the baby does not breathe, lightly slap the soles of her feet or rub her back to stimulate blood flow. If she still does not respond, start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Beware: A baby only requires small puffs of breath.
Step 9
Wrap the mother and baby in clean blankets to keep them warm until help arrives. Do not attempt to cut the umbilical cord. According to HealthyMeMd, never attempt to deliver the afterbirth. If the afterbirth is expelled from the vagina, wrap it in a separate towel for examination at the hospital.
