Sudden Medical Emergencies “Part 4 – Childbirth”

One emergency that you may face could in fact be “bringing a new person into this world”. Childbirth is a natural part of our existence, however it can seem more than “Normal or Natural” if you are not expecting it or unprepared on the steps. In many cases with Childbirth you will have plenty of time to assist the new mom to the hospital before the child is born, “However” if mom feels that something is wrong, or you feel panicked “Don’t hesitate to call 911 and Paramedic’s will be there shortly to assist you. Its good to know the steps just in case you can’t make it to a medical facility.

“For those choosing Home Birth”

• – Consult your medical professionals “Before” you chose to take the path of a “Home Birth“. The steps as well as possible problems should be carefully planned so that you have a complete understanding of what to expect.
• -A “Midwife” may also be needed to help assist in the Home Birth to continue a smooth transition from womb to world. A “Midwife” is a specialist dedicated to Obstetrics and the female reproductive system as well as birthing at child on your own.

MYTH BUST:

• – “Boiling Water” You do “NOT” need to boil water during child birth, in the early 1900’s and prior this was used for two main reasons, to help sterilize surgical tools that may be used to assist, and to help anyone who may be in shock “Small task to divert the mind”. If there is someone who is panicked you may tell “them” to boil water to help relax them, keep the boiling water far from the woman giving birth to avoid burns and exposure.
• – “Cutting the Cord” You do “NOT” need to cut the cord, an umbilical cord is a “Life Line” from the mother to the baby that provides blood, oxygen and nutrients. Always leave the cord intact as it will help continue providing oxygen enriched blood to the infant as long as the placenta is attached with the umbilical cord to mom and the baby. “DO NOT CUT THE CORD” this will be left for medical professionals, your midwife or your 911 dispatcher to assist you in doing so.

What to watch for:

• – Contractions “Roughly 2 minutes apart or less“
• – The woman says “I think the baby is coming”
• – The baby’s head is showing
• – Extreme lower abdominal pain that comes and goes with the feeling of “Wanting to bare down” This is for those who do not know they are pregnant or have no help“

NOTES TO REMEMBER:

• – Women who have had children previously often have a shorter labor.
• – Throughout the process continue to give the woman encouragement and reassurance.
• – Give the woman as much privacy as possible
• – It’s OK to be nervous

How to help in Childbirth:

1) Check the area, once the area is safe, Check the person and ensure the persons ABC’s are present “Airway / Breathing / Circulation” REMEMBER – Wear gloves if available to avoid bodily fluids.

2) Call 911 and get an AED if you are alone, you suspect a Head / Neck or Spine injury, there is a motor vehicle collision, dangerous environment or the injured persons life could be at risk.

3) Care for the Childbirth by:

Always follow recommendations by your Emergency Response professionals and 911 Dispatch personnel. “Never endanger yourself or the woman, you may “not” need to move or roll the woman”

• – If there are other life threatening injuries, treat those first as quickly as possible with as little movement to the injured person.

a) Help the woman to be as comfortable and calm as possible

b) Wash your hands and put on medical gloves if available “have the woman remove any pants or underwear, drape a blanket over her to keep privacy.

c) Put clean towels, a blanket, or any available material under her buttocks “Have her lay on her back” with a pillow under the small of the back and head as she rests her shoulders against the floor. This helps place the woman in a position to raise the knees with comfort for delivery. Semi-Sitting against a wall also works.

d) As the woman pushes with contractions encourage her to breath in through the nose then out through the mouth to increase air flow.

e) “Control the head” – As the baby’s head comes out, support it with one hand. Do not push or pull the baby. (NOTE) If you do not see the head make sure that 911 has been contacted immediately, you will need the help of Medical Professionals or the baby and moms life could be in danger. Check to see if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck, if it is use a single finger to remove it by moving it over one of the shoulders or over the head “Do not pull”

f) “Delivering the Shoulder’s” – Once the shoulders come out, be prepared for the rest of the baby to come out very quickly. Newborns are slippery, so hold the baby firmly but “do not squeeze.” Don’t drop the baby.

g) “Delivering the Body / Legs” – As the body advances, slide one hand down the length of the body and cradle the baby, Use a towel to hold the baby as it will be slippery.

h) “Complete the Delivery” – “Time to Breath” Hold the baby in a football position with the head down, wipe the baby’s mouth and nose with a clean cloth and suction out the mouth “Bulb suction or Turkey baster if nothing else“. Make sure the baby is breathing, if not stimulate the baby by rubbing the back and feet while drying the baby vigorously. If the baby does not breath and turns grey / ashen tone begin CPR 30 compression’s 2 breaths until medical help arrives. When the baby breaths, wrap the baby in a warm blanket and keep close to the mother when she is ready. The baby will naturally want to breast feed soon.

We never know what can happen, its always good to be prepared and have the knowledge we need to help those who need it.

“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from The Canadian Red Cross / Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation & Alberta Health Services. This information should not be used in place of medical, Technical advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Physician or Safety Training Facility.”

Just Remember:

Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

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