How to Deliver a Baby

Delivering a baby at home without any assistance can be unnerving even for the most courageous heart. Childbirth is a natural process and women have been delivering babies since time immemorial. Though, it is important to note down the correct delivery date and check into the nearest hospital or maternity clinic prior to it, there are times when a delivery can take place even before the mother-to-be reaches the hospital. If you're with a soon-to-be mother, it is always better to be prepared of any such unforeseen situation.

Giving Birth at Home

Delivering a baby without any assistance can be a panicky situation, both, for the mother-to-be and the person helping her. It is essential to take necessary precautions to avoid any unwanted circumstances.

• Make the mother take a comfortable position that suits her. You can even place a few blankets and pillows to cushion her.
• There are chances that the mother may panic in these situations, especially during a hard labor or transition. Calm her down as it will relax her muscles and make the delivery much easier.
• Make the mother sit in a squatting position to shorten the birth canal and help in easy delivery.
• If the mother experiences contractions at regular intervals, tell her to breathe in deep and push. This process may be painful, so shift the mother a bit, to reduce the pain.
• After a few contractions and pushes, the baby's head will appear. Let the baby take its own time to come out. NEVER try to pull out the baby. If it is a normal delivery, then the baby's head will emerge out first followed by the shoulders and then the rest of the body.
• Make the mother push harder and cup the baby's head, once it emerges from the womb and hold the head slightly downward to drain out the fluids from the baby's mouth and nose by using a bulb syringe.
• If the umbilical cord is around the baby's neck, insert a finger between the cord and the baby's neck and try to slip the cord over the baby's head. If you are unable to slip out the cord, leave it as it is.
• After the baby is delivered, lay the baby gently against the mother's skin and keep the placenta safe till the doctor arrives.

Tips on Delivering a Baby

Normally doctors advise against traveling in the later term of pregnancy. However, many women have experienced labor pains, way before the actual due date. Proper care must be taken while traveling, in case such a situation arises, before medical help arrives

• When the mother starts getting contractions, shift her to a lying down position, so that she experiences less labor pains.
• Make the mother comfortable by giving her something to support her lower back, until the delivery is over.
• Make sure your hands are clean before you assist nature in the process of delivering the baby as there are chances that the baby may catch an infection. It is recommended to wash your hands properly with a disinfectant.
• Get hold of some clean sheets to spread on the floor so that the baby does not come in contact with the floor.
• If the mother experiences pain in the lower abdomen followed by contractions, then it means that the baby is on the way.
• Tell the mother to breathe harder and if she feels like pushing, instead tell her to pant.
• Once the contractions become stronger, you will see the baby emerging slowly.
• In case it is a breech delivery, the feet of the baby comes out first.
• Support the bulging perineum, in order to minimize its tearing.
• Cradle the baby's bottom to guide it out of the birth canal. The baby will turn to its side, as it emerges from the mother's womb.
• Make the mother push harder and cup the baby's head once it emerges from the womb and hold the head slightly downward to drain out the fluids from the baby's mouth and nose by holding its head at a 45 degree angle. Hold the feet above the head, but avoid holding the baby by its feet.
• As soon as the baby's head emerges out, clean the mouth and nose gently by using a soft tissue.
• Clean the baby and wrap it with a clean towel and lay it on the mother's abdomen.
• Do not cut the placenta and keep the mother and child comfortable and dry till you get further help.

These were a few steps on delivering a baby, in case of an emergency at home. But, it is advisable to take precautions, since it's always better than cure! Getting in touch with a gynecologist or a midwife immediately after the mother-to-be starts experiencing early signs of labor, is the safest alternative. They say, the birth of a child, makes a woman, a mother. Whatever, be the case, motherhood, is still the turning point of a woman's life. I hope this article has given you adequate information, to welcome your bundle of joy. Take care!