Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
• Two pieces of sterile string, such as shoelace, for tying the umbilical cord. Boil in
water for 10 minutes to sterilize.
Do not use thread because it will cut through the
cord.
• Receiving blankets and diapers for the newborn.
• A container for the placenta (afterbirth). A plastic bag will do.
Delivery
Keep everything as clean as possible before, during, and after the delivery. Use no antiseptics.
Soap and clean water are best. Remove jewelry and watches and scrub hands, including under
the fingernails. Wear sterile gloves, if available. Remind the mother to pant or take long deep
breaths, because this helps the baby to emerge slowly, with less chance of tearing the vaginal
opening.
1.
Do not
try to delay the birth in any way, such as by crossing the mother's legs or pushing the baby
back inside.
2.
Do not
allow the mother to go to the toilet. The sensation of having to have a bowel movement
means the baby is coming. Spontaneous bowel movements in the final stages are normal. Wipe
the mother front to back (always away from the vagina) and immediately remove soiled cloths.
3.
Do not
pull the baby from the vagina.
4. The baby's head usually emerges first, but not always. If something else appears first—the but-
tocks (breech birth), a shoulder, or a hand, for example—the chances for birthing complications
are significantly increased.
5.
To help reduce tearing
, when the crown of the head shows a few inches, have the mother stop
pushing. Panting and deep breathing will help her to overcome the desire to push and gives her
skin more time to stretch. The midwife can support the skin between the vagina and the anus with
the palm of one hand, while gently pressing on the baby's head with the other hand, to keep the
head from emerging too fast and tearing the mother's flesh.
6. Tear any membrane covering the baby's face.
7. If the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby's neck, hook it with your finger and gently but
quickly slip it over the baby's head. If it is too tight to flip over the baby's head, it must be tied
and cut or the child will suffocate or bleed to death.
8. Support the baby's head in the palm of your hand. Once the head is free, the rest of the body de-
livers quickly. Be ready for the baby to be extremely slippery. Suction the mouth and nostrils with
the bulb, or clean with a clean, dry cloth.
Caution:
Sometimes the baby will have had a bowel
movement in the womb. When the water breaks, this will appear as a dark green, almost black
liquid. If the baby breathes this material (meconium) into his or her lungs, the baby may die. If
there is evidence of meconium in the mother's amniotic fluid or on the baby's face and mouth, it
must be completely suctioned out of the baby's nose and mouth before the baby begins to breathe.
Once the baby's head is free, have the mother proceed very slowly to allow time for suctioning.
Seek immediate medical attention, if available.
