How to Deliver

Whether you’re a expectant parent or just a bewildered passerby, there may come a time when you’ll have to help deliver your baby in the absence of midwives. Don’t worry – everyone has to do this all the time. The most important thing you need to do is help the mother relax and let her body do its natural work. Accordingly, the following steps will guide you through how to ensure a smooth delivery until support arrives. Note, this guide is not a substitute for a hospital delivery performed by a specialist.

Table of Contents

Preparing for the birth of a baby

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Call 911 if you can. Contact the emergency switchboards. That way, even if you’re forced to deliver the baby alone, the support team will be there faster if you run into trouble. A messenger will also be available over the phone to assist you during the delivery or to put you in touch with a qualified person.

If the mother has her own doctor or midwife, contact that person. A healthcare professional may be available by phone on a regular basis to guide you through each step of the process. ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Consider how long labor has been going on. The first stage of labor is called the “smoldering” stage, where the mother’s body is preparing for birth by dilating the cervix. This stage can be long , especially when the mother gives birth for the first time. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} The second stage, also known as the “active” phase, occurs when the cervix is fully dilated. ^{[3] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Women usually don’t experience as much pain or discomfort at this stage as in later periods.
If the mother is fully dilated and you can see the top of the baby’s head, she has entered stage two. Wash your hands, move on to the next section, and get ready to pick up the baby.
Unless you have been trained, do not attempt to examine the cervix. Just watch to see if the baby’s head has begun to pop out.

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Time between contractions. Time the onset of one pain until the start of the next, noting how long the pain lasts. The longer the labor process, the more often the contractions will appear, the stronger the intensity and the closer together. ^{[4] X Research Source} Here’s what you need to know about angina:

When the pains are 10 minutes or less apart, it is a sign that the mother has begun labor. ^{[5] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Doctors recommend contacting the hospital as soon as attacks are 5 minutes apart and last 60 seconds, lasting for an hour. ^{[6] X Research Source} In this case, you will probably have enough time to go to a nearby hospital.
First-time mothers usually give birth when contractions are spaced three to five minutes apart and last 40 to 90 seconds, increasing in intensity and frequency over at least an hour. ^{[7] X Research Resources The Handbook for Surviving Worst Situations. ISBN 0811825558}
If the pains are only two minutes or less apart, get to work right away and get ready to welcome the baby, especially if the mother has given birth and delivered quickly before. Also, if the mother feels like she is about to have a bowel movement, it is likely that the baby is moving toward the birth canal, causing pressure on the rectum, and is about to emerge.
If your baby is born prematurely, you need to contact the mother’s doctor and emergency services as soon as signs of labor appear.

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Disinfect your arms and hands. Remove all jewelry, such as rings or watches. Wash your hands thoroughly with sterile soap and warm water. Rub your arm up to the elbow. If there is enough time, wash your hands within five minutes; If time doesn’t allow, try to wash your hands for at least a minute. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Be sure to scrub between your fingers and under your fingernails. Use a nail brush or toothbrush to wash your nails. ^{[9] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}
Wear sterile gloves if available. Don’t wear things like dishwashing gloves, which are full of bacteria.
Finally (if you don’t have soap and water), use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or apply alcohol directly to remove bacteria and viruses that may be on your skin. This step is to help prevent infection for the mother and baby.

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Prepare the birthing area. Put everything you need within reach, and make it as comfortable as possible for the mother. Things will get very messy, you should arrange this area in a place where you don’t mind being messy. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Collect clean towels and clean sheets. If you have a clean, waterproof tablecloth or a clean vinyl curtain, they will be very helpful to prevent blood and other liquids from spilling onto furniture or carpeting. . If you’re in a hurry, you can also use old newspapers, but they won’t be as hygienic.
Get a blanket or something soft and warm to wrap the baby. Newborns need to be kept warm as soon as they are born.
Find some pillows. You may need them to support the mother while pushing. Cover them with clean sheets or towels.
Fill a clean bowl with warm water, and prepare a pair of scissors, a piece of string, medical alcohol, cotton balls, and a bulb syringe. You can also prepare extra toilet paper and tissues to absorb the blood later.
Prepare a basin in case the mother feels nauseous or needs to vomit. You should also prepare a glass of water for the mother. Giving birth is difficult.

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Help the mother stay calm. She may feel panicky, rushed, or embarrassed. Do your best to stay calm and reassure her that you will help her relax.

Ask the mother to take off her clothes from the waist down. Cover her with a clean cloth or towel if she wants to.
Encourage the mother to breathe. Keep your voice low, speak softly, and direct her to breathe directly to avoid hyperventilation (breathing too quickly). Encourage her to keep her breathing steady, inhaling through her nose and exhaling through her mouth. If you’re still having trouble, hold the mother’s hand and take slow, deep breaths with her. ^{[11] X Research Source}
Let’s reassure her. This may not be the birthing experience she was expecting, and she may be very worried about possible trouble. Tell her someone is coming soon, and you’ll do your best to help her in the meantime. Remind her that humans have given birth outside of hospitals for thousands of years, and she’ll get through this just fine.
Acknowledge her. The mother may be feeling scared, angry, dizzy, or a combination of things. Acknowledge her feelings. Don’t reprimand or argue with her. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Help the mother find a comfortable position. She may want to go for a walk or sit down during this stage of labor, especially when the pain comes on. While progressing to the second stage, she may want to settle into just one birth position or continuously rotate different positions. Changing positions in turn will make labor go more smoothly, but you should let her decide what’s best for you. ^{[13] X Research Source} The following are the four basic postures, with advantages and disadvantages of each: ^{[14] X Research Source}^{[15] X Research Source}^{[16] X Research Source}

Squatting: This position utilizes gravity to the mother’s advantage, potentially dilating the birth canal 20 to 30 percent more than other positions. If you suspect the baby is breech (legs out first), suggest this position as it will give the baby enough space to turn his or her head. You can help the mother do this by kneeling behind her and supporting her back. ^{[17] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
Quadruple Kneeling: This is a balancing act with gravity and can help relieve back pain, the mother is likely to choose this position unconsciously. It works to relieve pain if the mother has hemorrhoids. In that case you should support her from behind. ^{[18] X Research Sources}
Side lying: This position reduces the slope of the birth canal, but allows the perineum to dilate more gently and reduces the risk of tearing. ^{[19] X Source of Study} Have the mother lie on her side, bend her knees, and lift her upper leg. You should also have her prop herself up on her elbows.
The lithotripsy position (supine): this is the most commonly used position in the hospital, the mother lies on her back with knees bent. It creates the best conditions for the midwife, but puts a lot of pressure on the mother’s back and is therefore not recommended. ^{[20] X Research Source} It can also slow contractions and cause more pain. ^{[21] X Research Source} If the mother is more comfortable with this position, use some pillows to cushion her back to ease the pain.

Deliver

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Instruct the mother to push. Don’t encourage her to push until she feels uncontrollably pressured to do so – you don’t want the mother to lose energy and burn out too soon. When the mother is ready to push, she will feel a gradual increase in pressure in the lower back, perineum, or rectum. There are even cases where the mother will feel like she is about to defecate. ^{[22] X Research Source} When the mother is ready, you need to instruct her to push.

Ask the mother to lean forward and pull her chin back. This bent position will help the baby move through the pelvis. ^{[23] X Research Source} When pushing, it is better for the mother to hold her knees or legs with her hands and pull her legs back.
The area around the vagina will swell until you can see the top of the baby’s head. When the top of the head is exposed, it is time for the mother to start pushing.
Encourage the mother to focus on squeezing her abs tight, just as she would when trying to pass a bowel movement. This move can help relieve muscle tension or put back pressure on the neck and face. ^{[24] X Research Sources}
A frequency of three to four pushes, each lasting 6-8 seconds, per period of cramping is considered most appropriate. However, it is important to encourage the mother to do what she considers natural to her body. ^{[25] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}
Continually encourage the mother to take slow, deep breaths. The way to get some pain under control is through relaxing your mind and focusing on deep breathing instead of panicking or being distracted by your surroundings. Different levels of mental control vary from person to person, but deep and slow breathing is always beneficial for the birth process. ^{[26] X Research Source}
Remember that a mother can urinate or defecate during labor. This is a normal sign and you don’t need to worry. You shouldn’t even mention it – don’t embarrass the mother. ^{[27] X Research Source}

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Support the baby’s head as soon as it emerges. This operation is not complicated, but extremely important. Pay close attention to the following:

Do not pull the baby’s head out or pull the umbilical cord . This action can cause nerve damage. ^{[28] X Complete Preparation for Childbirth: A Self-help Manual for Expectant Parents. ISBN 9622092209}
If your baby has the umbilical cord wrapped around his or her neck, which is quite common, lift it gently over the baby’s head or be careful where it loosens so that the baby can come out. Do not pull the umbilical cord .
In the case of a baby’s face down as it emerges from the pelvis, it’s not unusual — it’s better in fact. If the baby’s face is towards the mother’s back, don’t worry. This is actually the best position for giving birth. ^{[29] X Research Sources}
If you see your baby’s legs or bottom sticking out first instead of his head, you’re in for a breech birth. See instructions for this case below.

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Prepare to support the body. When your baby’s head turns to one side (usually he’ll turn on his own), be prepared to support his body with the next push.

If the baby’s head does not rotate, ask the mother to push again. The baby will automatically turn its head.
If your baby can’t turn his head on his own, gently turn his head to the side. This will help your baby’s shoulders come out on the next push. Don’t try to push if you feel something is getting in the way.
Support the baby’s other shoulder. Gently lift the baby towards the mother’s belly to support the baby’s shoulders through. The rest of the baby’s body will emerge soon.
Continue to support the baby. The baby’s body will be very slippery. Make sure you’re using enough force to support your baby’s neck, which is still very weak and unable to support her head on her own. ^{[30] X Research Source}

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Try to complete the operation. Wish your mother round and square and you will have a successful baby. However, if the delivery process is delayed for some reason, you can refer to the following ideas:

If the baby’s head has come out first but the body is still stuck despite the mother pushing three times, have the mother lie on her back. Instruct her to grip her knees and pull her thighs toward her stomach and chest. This move is called the McRoberts position, and it’s very effective when pushing away. ^{[31] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to the source} Tell the mother to push hard with each contraction.
Never press on a mother’s belly to remove an entangled baby.
If your baby’s feet come out first, read the section on breech birth below.
If the baby is still trapped and emergency services are still far from arriving, you can try gently inserting the baby’s head back into the womb. This is only a temporary measure when the way is out, you should not do this if the emergency is about to arrive.

Reverse birth

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Remember that breech birth is very rare. If it happens, breech means when the baby’s legs or hips come out first instead of the head. ^{[35] X Research Source}

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Posture for the mother. Have her sit on a corner of the bed or other surface and pull her legs up to her chest. To be careful, place some pillows or blankets where your baby is most likely to fall off.

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Do not touch your baby until the head is out. You’ll probably see your baby’s back and bottom exposed and you’ll want to reach out and pull, don’t do that. You must avoid touching your baby until the head is exposed because that touch can stimulate the baby to take a breath while the head is still submerged in amniotic fluid. ^{[28] X Complete Preparation for Childbirth: A Self-help Manual for Expectant Parents. ISBN 9622092209}

Try to keep the room temperature warm, even a one-unit drop in heat can make your baby out of breath. ^{[28] X Complete Preparation for Childbirth: A Self-help Manual for Expectant Parents. ISBN 9622092209}

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Take the baby. Once the baby’s head is out, immediately grab the baby’s armpit and lift the baby towards the mother. If the hand is out and the baby’s head still does not come out after pushing, have the mother push while squatting.

Get the placenta

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Prepare the placenta. The placenta is the third stage of childbirth. The placenta will come out within one minute to an hour after the baby is born. ^{[36] X Research Source} It is possible that the mother will feel the need to push after a few minutes, which is very beneficial. ^{[37] X Research Source}

Place a bowl near the vulva. Just before the placenta comes out, there will be blood in the vulva and the umbilical cord will get longer.
Have the mother sit up and push the placenta into the bowl.
Rub the belly below the mother’s belly button firmly to reduce the amount of blood loss. She may be in pain, but this is necessary. Keep massaging until you feel the uterus like a big grapefruit in the lower abdomen. ^{[38] X Research Sources}^{[39] X Research Sources}

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Give the baby breast milk. If the umbilical cord is not stretched during feeding, encourage the mother to breastfeed immediately. This maneuver helps to simulate a contraction and stimulates the placenta to come out quickly. It also has the ability to help stop bleeding. ^{[40] X Research Source}

If the mother is unable to breastfeed, stimulation of the nipples can also contribute to stimulating the placenta. ^{[28] X Complete Preparation for Childbirth: A Self-help Manual for Expectant Parents. ISBN 9622092209}

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Do not pull the umbilical cord. While waiting for marriage, do not pull the umbilical cord to get it quickly. Let each other out with the mother’s push. Pulling the umbilical cord can cause a lot of damage. ^{[41] X Research Resources}^{[28] X Complete Preparation for Childbirth: A Self-help Manual for Expectant Parents. ISBN 9622092209}

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Placenta storage. Once removed, put it in a trash bag or a covered container. When the mother arrives at the hospital, the doctor will likely want to examine the placenta to see if there is anything abnormal.

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Decide whether or not to cut the umbilical cord. You should only cut the umbilical cord if it takes hours to wait for medical professionals. ^{[42] X Research Source} Other than that, leave the umbilicus as it is and take care not to stretch the umbilical cord. ^{[43] X Research Resources}^{[7] X Research Resources A Guide to Surviving Worst Situations. ISBN 0811825558}

If you have to cut the umbilical cord, first gently feel the umbilical cord for a pulse. After about ten minutes, the umbilical cord will stop beating because the placenta has separated. Do not cut the umbilical cord before this time. ^{[44] X Research Source}
Don’t be afraid of pain. There are no nerve endings in the umbilical cord; Neither the mother nor the baby will feel pain when the umbilical cord is cut. However, this cord is quite slippery and difficult to handle. ^{[45] X Research Sources}
Tie a thread or string around the umbilical cord, about 3 inches (inches) from the baby’s navel. Double knot to make it tight.
Tie another piece of string 2 inches away from the first knot, also using a double knot.
Using a sterile knife or scissors (boiled in boiling water for 20 minutes or cleaned with alcohol), cut the space between the two knots. Don’t be surprised if you find the cord tough and difficult to cut; Just do it slowly.
Wrap the baby up after cutting the umbilical cord..

Care for Mother and Baby

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Helps mother and baby stay warm and comfortable. Cover them with blankets, and encourage the mother to hold the baby to her chest. Be sure to change wet or soiled sheets, and move mother and child to a clean, dry area.

Pain control. Apply ice to the mother’s vagina for the first 24 hours to relieve pain and soreness. Give the mother acetaminophen/paracetamp or ibuprofen if she is not allergic.
Give the mother some light food or water to drink. Avoid carbonated drinks and foods high in fat and sugar, as they can cause nausea. Toast, cookies, or sandwiches are good choices. The mother may also want to quench her thirst with electrolyte-rich energy drinks. ^{[46] X Research Source}
Bring diapers for the baby. Be careful not to wrap it too high above your navel. If the belly button smells bad (signs of infection), use rubbing alcohol until the smell is gone. If you happen to have a small hat on hand, put it on your baby so he doesn’t catch a cold.

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Massage the uterus from the outside of the abdomen. Sometimes an unexpected birth will cause bleeding. This situation occurs in 18% of all births. To help prevent this, you can massage your uterus firmly. If you see a large amount of bleeding after a placental abruption, do the following immediately: ^{[47] X Trusted Source American Academy of Family Physicians Go to source}

Insert a ( clean ) hand into the vagina. Place your other hand on the mother’s lower abdomen. Press down with the hand on the abdomen and use the other hand to push the uterus from the inside. ^{[48] X Trusted Source American Academy of Family Physicians Go to Source}
You can also perform repeated massage movements with the hand placed on the mother’s lower abdomen without inserting the other hand into the vagina. ^{[49] X Trusted Source World Health Organization Go to Source}

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Prevent infection when going to the toilet. Instruct or help the mother wash her vagina with warm water after each bowel movement if necessary. You can use a bottle with a clean spout for rinsing. ^{[50] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

If the mother needs to have a bowel movement, help her put a clean gauze or cloth in front of the vagina during pushing.
Help the mother urinate. Emptying the bladder is fine, but based on the amount of blood loss it might be better to have her pee in a tray or on a changeable towel so she doesn’t have to get up.

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Get medical help as quickly as possible. Once the baby is born, immediately go to the nearest hospital or wait for the ambulance you called.

Advice

Don’t panic if your baby looks a little pale at birth, or if he doesn’t start crying right away. Your baby’s skin color will turn back to your mother’s once he starts to cry, but his hands and feet may still be blue. Just replace the wet swaddle with a dry one and put on a hat for your baby.
If you don’t have anything on hand, use a shirt or towel to keep the mother and baby warm.
If you’re a parent expecting a baby, be sure to calculate your chances of giving birth while traveling or participating in certain activities near your due date. Also, remember to bring first aid supplies, eg soap, sterile gauze, sterile scissors, clean towels, etc., and keep them in the car. (See What you need below.)
To disinfect umbilical cord cutters, wipe them with alcohol or heat them thoroughly.
If the mother has already begun labor, do not allow her to defecate. She may feel the need to go, but this feeling is usually caused by the baby turning and putting pressure on the rectum. This is a normal sign because the baby needs to move through the birth canal to be born.

Warning

Do not clean mother and baby with antiseptic and disinfectant products unless soap and water are not available and there is a wound on the skin.
These guidelines are not intended to replace professionally trained midwives, nor are they guidelines for planning a home birth.
Keep you, the mother, and the delivery area as clean and sterile as possible. The risk of infection is very high for both the mother and the baby. Do not sneeze or cough near the birthing area.

Things you need

Baby bulb syringe (flexible plastic material, commonly known as ear syringe, the nasal syringe should not be used because the plastic part of the nozzle will not fit the baby’s nose)
A small bottle of alcohol
A box of nylon gloves or medical gloves
Clean shoelaces (used to tie the umbilical cord)
Sharp scissors (for cutting the umbilical cord)
Cold packs (the kind you just squeeze to get colder)
Six paper diapers
Pain relievers such as Tylenp® or Advil®
A small bar of disinfectant soap or a bottle of hand sanitizer
Four cotton baby blankets
Hats for babies
Four towels
Towels
Bowl (places placenta)
Warm blanket for the mother
Some pillows
Five large trash bags for dirty clothes
Two medium sized garbage bags for the placenta
Guidelines for performing CPR for adults and children
Emergency contact phone number

Steps