HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

LABOR AND BIRTH

Emergency Birth If this is your first baby, it’s very unlikely that you will go into labor and give birth before you can get to the hospital or birth center. But snowstorms, natural disasters, and traffic gridlock do happen. This lesson will walk you through having an unplanned birth at home (or in the car before you reach the birth facility). Please read it and keep it handy, just in case.

If the baby arrives before the medical team: • Use a clean towel and dry the baby off • Place the baby skin-to-skin on your chest • Cover the baby with a dry towel or blanket • If the baby doesn’t start breathing after birth: • Firmly rub up and down on the baby’s back, or • Lay the baby on their back, rub their chest, tap the bottom of the feet, or • Give the baby mouth-to-mouth resuscitation • If the placenta emerges, place it in a towel or bag above or beside the baby • Do not cut the cord

Signs the birth is close • Sudden long, strong contractions • Contractions are less than 5 minutes apart • You have an overwhelming urge to push What to do • Take a deep breath and stay calm; birth is a natural process • Call 911 and tell the dispatcher your baby is coming fast • Ask the dispatcher to call your provider, then stay on the line • Unlock the door so the medical team can get in • Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer • Grab a handful of towels, sheets, or blankets • Sit or lie down on a blanket; remove pants and panties • Use panting or breathing patterns to keep from pushing

Chapter 4: Labor and Birth 63