First Aid
 
Emergency Childbirth

Important!
bulletIf labor is proceeding faster than expected (the mother may feel an overwhelming urge to push, or she may feel the baby's head between her legs), call 911 or your emergency number. Then begin the first-aid steps described here. It is imperative to get medical help as soon as possible because there may be complications that could endanger the life of the mother and baby.
bulletIf uterine contractions are regular and occurring three to five minutes apart, take the mother to the hospital.
bulletIf there is a liquid discharge from the mother's vagina, call her physician.

 

Caution

Childbirth is a natural process; interfere only when needed. Do not try to delay delivery. Do not let the mother cross her legs, and do not try to push the baby back into the mother's vagina.

 

Preparing the Mother

  1. Make the mother comfortable. Place her on a large, flat area with pillows or other comfortable, supportive materials. Put a clean sheet or newspapers under her. Make sure she is warm. Help her remove any clothing below her belly.

     

  2. Keep the mother calm. The mother may be in great pain; tell her to take deep, slow breaths.

     

  3. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water. Scrub under your fingernails with soap and water, and remove any jewelry.

 

The Delivery
  1. Bloody fluid will appear from the mother's vagina. It is normal for there to be some bloody fluid; do not be alarmed. CAUTION: Get immediate medical help if the mother bleeds more than 1 to 2 cups of blood before, during or after delivery.

     

  2. Support the baby as he or she emerges. The baby will be slippery; you may want to use a clean, dry towel to hold him. CAUTION: Do not pull on the baby.

    Illustration: Supporting the Baby

     

  3. Make sure the umbilical cord is not around the baby's neck. If the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby's neck, hook your finger underneath it and gently slip it over the baby's head.

     

  4. The baby's shoulder may get stuck. If a shoulder seems stuck, gently press just above the mother's pubic hair or raise her legs up; tell her to push hard.

     

  5. The baby may still be in the amniotic sac. If this is the case, tear the sac open.

     

  6. The baby's head may not emerge first. If this happens, gently press just above the mother's pubic hair. Note the time. Support the baby's body as he emerges. If the head is not delivered within three minutes, lift the baby's body to expose his face so he can breathe. Tell the mother to keep pushing. CAUTION: Do not pull the baby out of the vagina.

    Illustration: Breech Baby

     

After the Birth

  1. Help the baby begin to breathe. Hold the baby so fluids drain from his mouth and nose. Clean his mouth and nose with a clean, dry towel. If he is not breathing, hold him so his head is lower than his feet and tap the soles of his feet. Then immediately rub his back. If this doesn't work, begin CPR.

    Illustration: Helping the Baby Breathe

     

  2. Dry and wrap the baby. Dry the baby with a clean, dry towel; do not wash off any white material on his body. Then wrap the baby in a clean, dry towel.

     

  3. Tie a string around the umbilical cord at least four inches from the baby's navel.

    Illustration: Umbilical Cord

     

  4. Save the placenta. The mother will usually expel the placenta within 30 minutes. Place it in a container to give to medical personnel. If it is not entirely expelled within 30 minutes, get immediate medical help. Do not pull on the umbilical cord or try to get the placenta out.

     

  5. Massage the mother's lower abdomen. After the placenta is expelled, rub the mother's lower abdomen to help control any bleeding.

     

  6. Keep the mother and baby warm until medical help arrives.

 

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