Whether you are a future father or an unsuspecting taxi driver, sooner or later you may find yourself forced to go through a birth without being helped by any professional. Don't worry: it happens more often than you think. Specifically, you need to help the mother relax and let her body do the work. That said, there are other steps to follow so that everything runs smooth as oil until help arrives.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Prepare for Childbirth
Step 1. If possible, ask for help
Get in touch with the emergency services. In this way, even if you have to help the woman to give birth, you will soon be assisted in case of complications. The person who answers you should also be able to orient you during the birth or pass you someone who is capable of it.
If the mother was followed up by a gynecologist or midwife, call them. Often the specialist can stay on the phone and guide you through the procedure
Step 2. Determine the progress of labor
The first stage of labor is called "latent": the body prepares to give birth by dilating the cervix. It can last for a long time, especially if it is the first child. The second phase, called "active", occurs when the cervix is fully dilated.
- Compared to other stages, women may not experience much pain or discomfort at this stage.
- If the woman is fully dilated and you can see the top of her head, she is in the second stage. Wash your hands, skip to the next section, and get ready to pick up the baby.
Step 3. Time your contractions
Do this from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next, and note the duration. If the labor is in an advanced stage, the contractions become more regular, strong and close together. Here's what you need to know about it:
- Contractions that repeat at intervals of 10 minutes or less indicate that the mother has gone into labor. Doctors recommend contacting the hospital when contractions occur at 5 minute intervals, last 60 seconds, and this activity has been going on for at least an hour. In this case, you usually have time to get to the hospital, provided it is close.
- First-time motherhood women are more likely to give birth when contractions repeat at 3-5 minute intervals and last 40-90 seconds, with increased strength and frequency for at least an hour.
- If the contractions recur at intervals of 2 minutes or less, get to work and prepare for delivery, especially if the mother has had other babies and previous labor was fast. Also, if the woman feels that she is about to defecate, it is likely that the baby is moving through the birth canal, putting some pressure on the rectum - so it is coming out.
Step 4. Sanitize your hands and arms
Take off jewelry and accessories, such as rings and watches. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water. Rub your arms up to your elbows. If you have time, wash your hands for 5 minutes; if not, do it carefully for at least 1 minute.
- Remember to rub between your fingers and under your nails. Use a nail brush or even a toothbrush to clean underneath the bezels.
- If possible, wear sterile gloves. Avoid those for washing dishes, they are probably full of bacteria.
- To top it off (or if you don't have access to soap and water), use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or isopropyl alcohol to kill bacteria and viruses on your skin. This allows you to prevent the mother and baby from becoming infected.
Step 5. Prepare a birthing area
Organize her in such a way that she has everything she needs and that the mother is as comfortable as possible. Eventually this area will become cluttered and chaotic, so you should choose a place that you can get dirty without any problems.
- Get clean towels and sheets. If you have clean waterproof tablecloths or a clean vinyl shower curtain, use them to prevent blood and other fluids from staining furniture or carpets. If necessary, you can also use newspapers, but they are not as hygienic.
- Get a blanket or something warm and soft to wrap the baby. The newborn should be kept warm after delivery.
- Look for some pillows. You may need it to get the mother to lean on while she pushes. Cover them with clean sheets or towels.
- Fill a clean bowl with warm water, take a pair of scissors, string, isopropyl alcohol, cotton balls, and a bulb syringe. You may find tampons or paper towels helpful to stop the bleeding later.
- If the mother feels nauseous or needs to vomit, have a bucket available. You may also want to have a glass of water on hand. Labor is difficult.
Step 6. Help the mother stay calm
She may panic, be rushed, or feel embarrassed. Do your best to stay calm and reassure her to relax.
- Ask her to undress from the waist down. If she wants, give her a clean sheet or towel to cover herself.
- Encourage her to breathe. Prevent her from hyperventilating by speaking in a low, reassuring voice and verbally guiding her breathing. Stimulate her to inhale through her nose and exhale through her mouth in a rhythmic manner. If you are still having trouble, take her by the hand, breathe deeply and slowly with her.
- Reassure her. She probably didn't expect to give birth this way and may worry about possible complications. Tell her that help is on the way and that you will do your best in the meantime. Remind her that women have been giving birth outside of hospitals for thousands of years and that it is sure to be all right.
- Recognize their moods. The mother probably feels scared, angry, dizzy - or a combination of all of these feelings. Confirm his emotions. Don't try to correct her reaction or argue with her.
Step 7. Help her find a comfortable position
It would be best to walk or squat during the first stage of labor, especially when a contraction occurs. As the transition to the second phase begins, it is preferable to assume a suitable position for giving birth or to try several cyclically. Changing the position can make labor progress more smoothly, but let her decide what's best for her body. Here are 4 standard positions, with their pros and cons:
- Crouch down. This position puts the force of gravity to the advantage of the mother, and can dilate the birth canal by 20-30% more than others. If you suspect that it is breech birth (meaning the feet will come out first), suggest this position, as it leaves room for the baby to rotate. You can help the woman who has taken this position by kneeling behind her and supporting her back.
- On all fours. This position is neutral with regards to gravity and can relieve back pain. The mother might choose it instinctively. It can relieve pain if the woman suffers from hemorrhoids. In this case, stand behind her.
- Lie on your side. This leads to a slower descent through the birth canal, but can result in gentler stretching of the perineum and reduce tears. Have the mother lie on her side, with her knees bent, and lift her upper leg. He may feel the need to lean on one elbow.
- Position of the lithotomy (supine). It is the most common of those used in hospitals; the woman lies on her back, with her knees bent. It allows the doctor to have plenty of room to operate, but puts a lot of pressure on the mother's back and is not considered ideal. It also makes the contractions slower and more painful. If he seems to prefer this position, try putting pillows under his back to relieve the pain.
Part 2 of 5: Get the baby out
Step 1. Guide the mother as she pushes
Don't encourage her to push until she feels uncontrollable pressure and is forced to do so. There is no need to make her waste energy and wear her out right from the start. When women are ready to push, they feel more pressure near their lower back, perineum, or anus. They may also feel on the verge of defecating. When it's ready, though, you can drive it while it pushes.
- Invite the mother to lean forward and bring her chin towards her chest. This curved position helps the baby move through the pelvis. While pushing, it may be helpful for the mother to hold her knees or legs with her hands and bring them close to her chest.
- The area around the vagina will enlarge until you start to see the top of the baby's head. As soon as you notice her, the mother has to start pushing hard.
- Encourage her to gently push between contractions. Perhaps he will try to push harder at the peak of a contraction, but this is not ideal. Instead, remind her to exhale through her mouth at the point of greatest intensity of a contraction and start pushing as soon as it subsides.
- Stimulate her to focus on her abdominal muscles to push down, a bit like trying to get urine to flow faster. This can help you avoid forcing or directing the force of the thrust upward towards your neck and face.
- Three or four thrusts lasting 6-8 seconds each are considered appropriate for each contraction. However, it is important to urge the mother to act according to what comes naturally to her.
- Continue to encourage deep, slow breathing. Pain can be controlled in several ways through mental relaxation and focusing on deep breaths, instead of getting distracted or panicked by everything that is going on. Each person can benefit from a particular relaxation method, but deep, slow breathing is always beneficial during childbirth.
- Remember that the woman may urinate or defecate during childbirth. This is normal and not a cause for concern. Don't even let her know - you don't want to embarrass her.
Step 2. Support the baby's head as it emerges
This step is not complicated, but it is important. Pay particular attention to the following tips:
- Do not pull on the baby's head or umbilical cord. It can cause nerve damage.
- If the cord is wrapped around the baby's neck, gently lift it over the head or carefully loosen it so that the baby can pass through the circle. Do not pull the cord.
- It is normal, and indeed desirable, for the unborn baby to pass through the pelvis face down. If the baby's face is facing the mother's back, don't worry. This is actually the best position for childbirth.
- If instead of the head you see the feet or buttocks emerge first, it is a breech birth. Read the instructions regarding this situation below.
Step 3. Prepare for body leakage
When the baby's head turns to the side (which will likely be done automatically), prepare for the body to exit with the next thrust.
- If the baby's head does not turn unaided, gently guide the side of the head towards the mother's back. This should help one shoulder come out with the next push.
- Bring out the other shoulder. Gently lift your body towards the mother's belly to help the other shoulder come out. The rest of the body should follow suit.
- Continue to support the head. The body will be slippery. Make sure you still provide enough support for the neck, which isn't strong enough to support the head alone.
Step 4. Manage complications
With a bit of luck everything will be fine, and by now the baby will be out safe and sound. If the birth seems to stop, here is what you can do:
- If the head comes out and the rest of the body remains inside after 3 thrusts, ask the mother to lie on her back, put 2 pillows under her buttocks, ask her to grab her knees at chest height and push hard at each. contraction.
- If your feet come out first, read the section of this article devoted to breech birth.
Step 5. Grab the baby so that the fluids from the mouth and nose drain
Hold it with both hands, one under the neck and the other under the head. Tilt your head down at an angle of about 45 degrees to allow liquids to drain. The feet should be slightly above the head (but not hold it by the feet).
You can also wipe mucus or amniotic fluid from your nose and mouth with a clean sterile gauze or cloth
Step 6. Place the baby on the mother's chest
Encourage full skin contact and cover both with clean towels or blankets. Skin contact encourages the production of a hormone called oxytocin, which allows the mother to expel the placenta.
Position the baby so that the head is slightly lower than the rest of the body so that the fluids continue to drain. If the mother is lying down, the baby's head is resting on her shoulder and the body on her chest, this should happen naturally
Step 7. Make sure the baby is breathing
He should cry slightly. If not, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your airways are clear.
- Massage the body. Physical contact will help him breathe. Firmly massage your back using a towel while resting on your mother's chest. If that doesn't help, turn him on his back, tilt his head back to straighten his airways, and continue massaging his body. She may not cry, but this movement ensures that she gets the necessary air.
- Manually eliminate liquids. If the baby seems to be choking or turns blue, wipe the fluids out of the mouth and nose with a clean blanket or cloth. Does not work? Squeeze out the air with a bulb syringe; put the tip in your nose or mouth, then release the bulb to suck the liquid into it. Repeat until all liquid is removed, emptying the bulb between uses. If you don't have one, you can use a straw.
- As a last resort, give the baby a slap. If none of the methods work, try tapping the soles of the baby's feet with your fingers or spanking them gently.
- If none of this helps you, give him CPR.
Part 3 of 5: Breech birth
Step 1. Know that breech birth is unlikely
If this occurs, the feet or buttocks enter the pelvis before the head.
Step 2. Position the mother
Invite her to sit on the edge of a bed or other surface and bring her legs close to her chest. As a precaution, place pillows or blankets where the baby is likely to fall.
Step 3. Don't touch the baby until the head comes out. You will see your back and buttocks dangling and you will want to catch it, but don't. You must avoid touching him until the head is out, as your touch may cause him to gasp while his head is still submerged in amniotic fluid.
Try to make sure the room is warm, as even a drop in temperature could make the baby gasp
Step 4. Grab the baby
Once the head is out, take it by placing your hands under your armpits and bring it closer to the mother. If the head does not come out with the push after the arms come out, ask the woman to squat and push.
Part 4 of 5: Releasing the Placenta
Step 1. Prepare for the delivery of the placenta
This is the third stage of labor. It will show up within a few minutes to an hour following the baby's exit. The mother will probably feel the need to push after a few minutes - this is helpful.
- Bring a bowl to your vagina. Shortly before the discharge, blood will flow from the vagina and the umbilical cord will become longer.
- Ask the mother to sit down and push the placenta into the bowl.
- Firmly massage the belly in the area below the navel to help decelerate the bleeding. It might hurt her, but it's necessary. Continue to massage until the uterus feels like a large grapefruit located in the lower abdomen.
Step 2. Let the mother breastfeed
If the umbilical cord doesn't prevent this, encourage the mother to breastfeed as soon as possible. This helps stimulate a contraction and encourages the placenta to come out. Also, it can slow down bleeding.
If breastfeeding is not possible, stimulating the nipples can also help deliver the placenta
Step 3. Do not pull on the umbilical cord
As the placenta comes out, do not tug on the umbilical cord to get it out sooner. Let him go out on his own with his mother's thrusts. Pulling it could cause serious damage.
Step 4. Store the placenta in an envelope
Once it's out, put it in a garbage bag or container with a lid. When and if the mother goes to the hospital, the doctor will likely want to inspect the placenta for possible abnormalities.
Step 5. Decide whether to cut the umbilical cord
You should only do this if the mother is being treated by specialists shortly thereafter. If not, let it go and just make sure it doesn't get too stretched.
- If you need to cut the umbilical cord, first tap it gently to locate the heartbeat. After about 10 minutes, it will stop pulsing because the placenta has separated. Don't cut it before this time.
- Don't worry about the pain. There are no nerve endings in an umbilical cord: neither the mother nor the baby will feel pain when it is cut. However, the cord will be slippery and difficult to handle.
- Tie a string or thread around the umbilical cord, about 8 cm away from the baby's navel. Tighten it well with a double knot.
- Tie another string about 5 cm away from the first one, again with a double knot.
- Using a knife or sterile scissors (they must be boiled in water for 20 minutes or disinfected with isopropyl alcohol), cut the space created between the 2 strings. Don't be surprised if the cord has a rubbery texture and is difficult to cut, take your time.
- Once you have cut the umbilical cord, cover the baby.
Part 5 of 5: Taking Care of the Mother and Baby
Step 1. Keep the mother and baby warm and comfortable
Cover them both with blankets and encourage the mother to hold the baby on her chest. Replace wet or dirty sheets and have them moved to a clean, dry space.
- Check for pain. Place an ice pack on the mother's vagina for the first 24 hours to relieve discomfort and pain. If she's not allergic, offer her acetaminophen / acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Give the mother something light to eat and drink. Avoid carbonated drinks and fatty or sugary foods, as they can cause nausea. Toast, crackers, and light sandwiches are good options. He should also rehydrate with a sports drink containing electrolytes.
- Put a diaper on the baby. Make sure you place it under the umbilical cord. If the umbilical cord smells bad (a sign of infection), clean it with alcohol until it is corrected. If you have a hat available, put it on your baby so he doesn't get cold.
Step 2. Prevent bathroom infections
Prepare and, if necessary, help the mother pour lukewarm water over her vagina each time she urinates to keep the area clean. You can use a clean dispenser bottle to do this.
- If she has to defecate, ask her to place a clean pad or towel over her vagina while she pushes.
- Help the mother urinate. It is good to empty your bladder. However, due to the bleeding, it would be best to have her urinate in a basin or on a cloth that you can move under her so she doesn't have to get up.
Step 3. See a doctor as quickly as possible
Once the delivery is complete, go to the nearest hospital or wait for the ambulance you called to arrive.
Advice
- Don't be alarmed if the baby is a little blue at birth or doesn't cry right away. Her complexion will resemble that of her mother once she starts crying, but her hands and feet may still be blue. Just replace the wet towel with a dry one and place a cap on his head.
- If you have nothing to hand, use sweaters or towels to warm the mother and baby.
- As a pregnant father or mother, when planning trips or doing activities close to your expected delivery date, be sure to consider going into labor. Also, remember to keep emergency supplies in the car, such as soap, sterile gauze, sterile scissors, clean sheets, and so on (see the list of things you'll need below).
- To sterilize an instrument for the purpose of cutting the umbilical cord, use isopropyl alcohol or boil it for a long time.
- If the mother has gone into labor, do not allow her to go to the toilet in case of bowel stimulation. He may feel the need to pass stool, but this sensation is usually caused by the baby moving and the pressure exerted on the anus. It is normal to feel this need as the baby moves through the birth canal, just before going out.
Warnings
- Do not clean the mother or baby with antiseptic or antibacterial products, unless soap and water are unavailable or it is an external cut.
- These instructions are not intended to replace the intervention of specialists nor do they offer guidance for a planned home birth.
- Make sure you, the mother and the birthing space are as clean and hygienic as possible. The risk of infection is high for both the woman and the baby. Do not sneeze or cough near this area.
