b. Delivering the Baby. Follow this procedure given below. See figure 2-1.
(1) When the baby's head begins to emerge from the vagina, place your
right hand (or left hand if you are left-handed) over the emerging head and exert very
gentle pressure. This will allow the head to come out smoothly. Place your other hand
under the baby's head. Supporting the baby's head is essential. This support will
prevent a strong, unexpected uterine contraction from suddenly expelling the baby from
the vagina.
CAUTION:
DO NOT attempt to pull the baby from the vagina.
(2) If the membranes cover the infant's head after the head emerges, tear
the sac (the membranes) with your fingers or forceps to permit the amniotic fluid to
escape and enable the baby to breathe.
(3) Make sure the umbilical cord is not wrapped around the baby's neck. If
the cord is around the baby's neck, gently try to slip the cord over the baby's shoulder
and head.
(4)
Deliver the baby's shoulders and body, supporting the head at all times.
(5)
Avoid touching the mother's anus during delivery.
(6)
Record the time of birth.
2-13. CARE OF THE BABY
When the baby is fully delivered, lay it along your arm. Grasp the baby like a
football with one of the baby's arms and one of its shoulders between your fingers. Hold
the baby carefully and remember that babies are very slippery. Follow these steps.
a. Cleaning the Baby's Nose and Mouth. Using sterile gauze, wipe away any
blood and mucus from the baby's nose and mouth.
b. Suctioning the Baby's Mouth and Nose. Suction the baby's mouth first and
then the nose with a rubber bulb aspirator in this manner.
(1)
Squeeze the bulb before inserting the tip.
(2)
Place the tip in the baby's mouth or nostrils and release the bulb slowly.
(3) Expel the contents of the bulb into a waste container, repeating the
suctioning as needed.
MD0584
2-13