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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q.What do I do if I can't get her to the hospital on time and I have to deliver it? How do I cut and tie the cord? Is it dangerous if I make a mistake?

A.

Don't panic. Be in phone contact with a physician or 911 if possible. Wash your hands if possible.

Don't try to rush the birth---let the baby come naturally, don't pull on it. Have her lay down, don't try to deliver the baby on the toilet or squatting. Have her push naturally, don't ask her to push forcefully. Tell her to pant through contractions as the head is born, this will help prevent a tear. You can cup your hand on her perineum (don't push on it, just gently have your hand there) If the cord is around the neck loosen it and slip it over his head.

Once the head is born, the baby will turn on its side and likely birth on its own. Don't pull on the baby. Be ready to catch him as he slides out---they are very slippery so be careful.

Don't cut the cord. Don't tie it. Don't pull the cord---just leave it alone. Put the baby right on mom's abdomen and cover with towels and blankets. Let the baby have skin to skin contact with her. If you have a bulb syringe you can gently suction out some mucus from the baby's mouth.(Please only do this if you know how)You can help him breath by gently massaging his back. If he isn't very interested in breathing you can tap his feet a little. Most babies born unexpectedly are very healthy and don't have any trouble with this. Let the mother breastfeed the baby or gently massage her nipples--it will help reduce any bleeding and help the placenta come.

Let the placenta come naturally, don't pull on the cord. After the placenta is born, put it on mom's abdomen too. (Yes it is messy, but this is unexpected birth, the idea is to continue on to the hospital---you aren't going to want to cut the cord with your pocket knife on the side of the road.) Keep mom and baby warm, give mom fluids if possible and continue on to the hospital.

If you are concerned about this, the best advice is still to talk to your practitioner about your fears. They can help direct you on when to come in to the place of birth.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.