Emergency home births
Although most first-time moms-to-be make it to the hospital in good time for their baby’s birth, it’s possible for some women to be further along in labor than they thought and for their baby to arrive very suddenly.
Most moms-to-be who think their babies are coming early tend to be right, especially if they’ve given birth before and remember the signs that delivery is imminent. These include passing into the transition phase, where you might feel panicky and weepy; and feeling as though you’re about to pass a bowel movement (this is your baby moving down the birth canal and pressing on your rectum). Try to stay calm and, if you’re a first-timer, remember that with first babies labor can take hours, even days – even if your waters break it doesn’t mean your baby is coming straightaway.
What to do if your baby is coming
1. If you’re fairly certain your baby is coming early, call 911 and ask for an ambulance. The dispatcher will need to know how many weeks pregnant you are and if there are any complications that might affect the birth.
2. Make sure your door is unlocked so the paramedics are able to get in and, if you’re alone, call a friend or neighbor so you have someone with you (the paramedics will be able to talk them through the delivery if necessary).
3. Get some clean towels and lay them out in the warmest room, or a room where you can turn up the heater (it’s important that babies stay warm after they’re born).
4. If you have other children in the house, make sure they’re safe. If they have to be in the room with you, explain to them gently what’s happening and that you might make some strange sounds, but it’s nothing for them to worry about or be scared of – it’s just their new brother or sister arriving.
5. Kneel with your forearms on the floor in the all-fours position, so your bottom is sticking up in the air, and take small pants, as if you’re blowing out a candle. This position may help to delay your labor until help arrives. It might also be helpful to push between contractions rather than at their peak. If you have to push, trust your instincts and let your body do the work. Breathe gently as your baby’s head emerges. You may want to touch his head to reassure yourself.
6. Your body will help your baby to be born. His head will emerge first, followed by his shoulders and rest of his body. There may or may not be a pause between the head and rest of his body being delivered. If you’re on your own, keep your body low, so that the baby can slip out onto a towel on the floor, or lift him up onto your stomach. If someone is there with you they can help to gently guide the baby out, but warn them that he’s likely to be very slippery.
7. Feel around your baby’s neck to check that the umbilical cord isn’t wrapped around it. If it is and it’s loose enough, gently loop it back over his head; if it’s tight, gently untangle it when the baby is born. Don’t panic and pull on the cord or cut it – the emergency crew will deal with it once they arrive.
8. Wrap your baby in a clean towel and gently rub him all over, to stimulate his breathing and circulation. Don’t let him stay wet, as he might get cold. The best place for him to be is naked, lying between your breasts under your clothes, as your body heat can help regulate his temperature. If the umbilical cord is too short for your baby to be on your chest, wrap him in a couple of towels, making sure his head is covered and cuddle him close to you.
9. Talk to your baby all the time, as he’s used to your voice and it’ll help to soothe and calm him. If the cord is long enough, you may want to try breastfeeding.
10. If one minute goes by and your baby isn’t breathing, wipe the mucus from his nose and mouth and cover them with your mouth. Breathe into him gently, using the air from your cheeks. Breathe in five little puffs for a few seconds, then gently rub his chest to help stimulate his breathing. Keep on giving him five little puffs and rubbing until he starts to breathe.
11. The placenta will come when it’s ready and this could be five minutes or an hour. Don’t pull on the cord, or cut it – let the placenta deliver naturally (the medics will probably arrive before this happens). Relax and cuddle your baby, keeping him warm until further help arrives.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 07/05/2007
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this is my second baby do,s this mean that if my water break do, this rule,s include secound times mum,s to be
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