How to handle labor and childbirth in emergency situations — Quartz
Hurricanes, cyclones, earthquakes, and other catastrophes are a chilling reminder of the little control we have over our own lives. But while we may be more used to seeing our powerlessness in the context of mortality, we are just as helpless in the opposite situation: birth.
Labor doesn’t stop when the time, place or conditions are unfavorable, meaning women end up having a baby under even the most perilous of circumstances – including now with Hurricane Ian.
While it is scary, there are some steps pregnant women and their support networks can take to make childbirth as safe as possible, even in the most vulnerable circumstances and with limited resources.
Midwife and advocate for safe birth, Jennie Joseph, has worked for many years to reduce the burden of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States through her organization, Commonsense Childbirth. She has created “a guide for pregnant parents, families, supporters, first responders and Good Samaritans” to help navigate something as delicate as labor and delivery under stressful circumstances.
What to do in an emergency during labor
1. Make sure it’s real work. Hydrate the mom and help her drink at least 16 ounces or pint of water and get as comfortable as possible to see if the contractions ease up.
2. Time the contractions to see if they get closer and stronger.
3. Find a place that is as safe as possible for the mother to give birth – in a sheltered and ideally private location. Put down blankets and towels if you have them, or any clean cloth.
4. Support the mother, help her breathe and relax, and keep a calm and positive attitude.
5. Be patient. Childbirth can last many hours and even more than a day. Make sure mom is fed and hydrated, help her go to the bathroom, and let her sleep in and out when she feels like it.
6. Listen to the mother. If she feels the urge to push, it means that the delivery phase has begun. Put them in whatever position they find most comfortable – on their hands and knees, crouched, lying on their side. trust her body
7. Pushing can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Gently encourage the mother. no screaming There is no need to touch the woman unless she wants to be touched. Don’t hold the baby’s head when it comes up (it’s best to limit contact with potentially unhygienic things).
What to do once the baby is born
8. Once the head is born, the rest should quickly follow. The shoulders and body shouldn’t be able to withstand more than a few extra contractions, and if they last longer, help the mother get on her hands and knees so she can keep pushing. Once the baby has surfaced, gently guide them up the mother’s chest or stomach and quickly cover both with a blanket to keep the baby warm.
9. Maintain skin contact between the baby and the mother.
10. Do not cut the umbilical cord, which continues to deliver nutrients and oxygen from the placenta.
11. Gently rub the baby’s back, talk to the baby and make sure the breathing and color improve. Introduce her to breastfeeding.
What about the placenta?
12. Soon the mother will begin to convulse, which means the placenta is ready to be expelled. If she wants to change position, help the woman squat down or get comfortable. There is no need to touch or pull the placenta to help it. Once everything is expelled, wrap it in a towel and place it in a bowl near the mother as it is still attached to the umbilical cord.
Help with breastfeeding
13. The baby instinctively moves to the breast, trying to find the nipple. They lick their lips, move their heads and press their feet against their stomachs. You can gently help him up and onto the nipple.
14. Once the baby latches onto the nipple (this may take a while), leave him alone feed quietly and undisturbed.
What to do if the mother bleeds
15. If the mother’s blood flow is heavier than a period, press below the mother’s belly button and rub vigorously. This helps reduce the size of the uterus, which should be about the size of a grapefruit and firm. You should be able to feel the contour of the uterus beneath the flesh as you press on the abdomen, which will still appear quite enlarged. Keep rubbing to reduce bleeding.
16. Allow the baby to breastfeed, which helps tighten the uterus and reduce bleeding.
17. Feed the mother small amounts of food, ideally protein, and keep her hydrated.
What aftercare to take
18. Keep an eye on the mother and the baby. Encourage them both to eat and keep the mother hydrated. Cut skin-to-skin contact only when necessary or remove baby from mother.
19. Do not cut the umbilical cord unless you have sterile clamps and instruments as this could lead to infection.
20. Get medical help as soon as possible.