or you will only create problems. Nor should you let the mother go to the bathroom. As the baby moves through the birth canal, it presses on the rectum. A first time mother may confuse this feeling with a need to have a bowel movement.
If you are relatively certain there is going to be an imminent delivery, try to find someone to assist you. The child’s father will want to be involved if he is traveling as well. Aircare Access should be notified in this case to further assist you. A second person can stay with the patient while you are gathering supplies. In addition, a second person is an extra set of hands to help out should the delivery get complicated. Mothers deliver babies, not you. Your job is to assist and be supportive.
Since birthing is an extremely active physical process, a flat, sturdy surface should be used with the patient lying on her back and her legs spread. A pillow, folded sheet or blanket under her hips will generally make her feel more comfortable.
Make certain that you follow universal precautions and utilize all PPE techniques throughout the delivery. Occasionally, the patient may vomit, so in addition to your own protection, you must also pay close attention to her airway.
DELIVERY
As the time for birth gets closer, the contractions will get stronger and the resting time between each contraction will get shorter. Encourage the patient to take short, quick breaths during contractions and to breathe deeply between contractions when she is resting.
As the baby’s head begins to deliver, place the palm of your gloved hand gently against the infant’s skull. This will help the head deliver smoothly and prevent the baby from coming out suddenly during the next contraction.
If, at this point in the delivery, you notice the amniotic sac still covering the baby’s head, you need to puncture it and pull it away from the baby’s face. If it is not removed, the baby will suffocate. Be careful when puncturing the sac so as not to injure the baby. Once the sac is punctured, the amniotic fluid will gush out. If available, use a bulb syringe to suction the baby’s nose and mouth, and continue to monitor the baby’s airway.
Be alert for the umbilical cord wrapping around the baby’s neck. If you see this, immediately attempt to slip it over
the baby’s head. If this situation is left uncorrected, as the infant emerges the cord will get tighter and tighter, eventually strangling the baby. If you can’t slip the cord over the baby’s head, place two umbilical clamps two inches apart and cut between them.
As the head delivers, it will turn sideways. This is a good time to recheck the baby’s airway and make certain the nose and mouth are clear of fluids. Usually it takes two or three passes with a bulb syringe to clear each nostril and a similar number of passes to clear the mouth.
You should support the baby’s head after it delivers while you wait for the rest of the body to deliver. The head is the largest part of the baby, so once it’s out, the rest of the delivery proceeds quickly. When the baby has completely delivered, grasp the feet and
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