Emergency Birth as a First Responder: Preparation and assessment Part 1
/Welcome to the first installment of a two-part series on emergency births and the crucial role of first responders in managing such situations. In this blog, we'll explore the initial steps involved in preparing the mother for delivery and guiding the childbirth process. From addressing fears to ensuring a safe environment, first responders play a vital role in this intense and impactful moment. Let's delve into the essential aspects of prepping and assisting in an imminent birth scenario. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll cover the post-birth care of both the neonate and the mother.
Preparing the Mother for Delivery
In the high-stress situation of an emergency birth, helping the mother feel at ease and well-prepared is essential. Here's how to create a comforting environment and gather important information:
Assess the Situation:
Approach the mother with a calm and reassuring demeanor. Introduce yourself and explain that you're there to assist her during the delivery process.
Ask Important Questions:
While time might be limited, try to ask a few key questions to better understand the situation and the mother's medical history. Some questions to consider include:
Is this your first baby, or have you given birth before?
How many prior births have you had, if any?
Have you received prenatal care during your pregnancy?
Address Fear and Anxiety:
It's natural for the mother to be fearful and anxious during an unplanned delivery. Acknowledge her emotions and reassure her that you are there to help and support her. Use a soothing tone and maintain eye contact to establish a sense of trust.
Provide Information:
Briefly explain the stages of labor and what she might expect during the delivery process. Let her know that her body knows how to give birth, and you're there to assist and guide her through it.
Encourage Breathing Techniques:
Breathing techniques can help manage anxiety and pain. Instruct her to take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through her nose and exhaling through her mouth. This can help her stay focused and calm.
Offer Comfort:
If possible, offer a reassuring touch or hold her hand to provide physical comfort. If she's comfortable, encourage her to find a position that feels right for her, whether sitting, lying down, or even kneeling.
Reiterate Support:
Continuously remind her that you're there to support her, and that her well-being and that of her baby are your top priorities.
Remember, your presence and demeanor can significantly impact the mother's experience during this intense moment. By addressing her fears, gathering important information, and offering a calm and steady presence, you can help create an environment conducive to a safe and successful delivery. Always be ready to adapt your approach based on the mother's needs and the progress of the situation.
Delivery Preparation
As a first responder, recognizing the signs of imminent birth and swiftly creating a clean and supportive environment are critical. Here's how to prepare for the actual delivery:
Recognizing Imminent Birth:
Contractions Less Than 3 Minutes Apart: When contractions are occurring at such a close interval, it's a strong indicator that the birth is imminent. The mother's body is progressing rapidly towards delivery.
Feeling the Need to Push:
The sensation of needing to push indicates that the baby is descending into the birth canal. This is a clear sign that the delivery is approaching.
Urge to Have a Bowel Movement:
This sensation often occurs as the baby's head moves lower in the pelvis. It's a common sign that birth is imminent.
Positioning for Comfort:
Help the mother find a comfortable position that allows her to feel in control. She might choose to sit, squat, or lie down. If she's comfortable with it, use pillows or cushions to support her in the chosen position.
Creating a Clean and Supportive Environment:
If available, throw clean towels in the dryer to warm them up. Warm towels provide comfort to both the mother and the newborn. Lay down clean linen, sheets, and towels on a flat and stable surface to create a clean area for the birth.
Privacy and Dignity:
Place a clean sheet over the mother's legs to provide her with a sense of privacy and dignity during the process.
Familiar Female Presence:
If a female first responder is present, the mother may feel more comfortable having her lead the delivery. The presence of a compassionate and empathetic individual can greatly ease the mother's anxiety.
Essential Supplies Ready:
Ensure you have the necessary supplies within arm's reach, including surgical scissors and clamps for cutting and clamping the cord, abdominal pads to manage potential bleeding, saline solution for cleaning, a neonate suction bulb to clear the baby's airway, and oxygen equipment.
Plastic Bag for Placenta:
Have a plastic bag ready for the placenta, which will be delivered shortly after the baby.
Preparing for an imminent birth involves both recognizing the signs that the delivery is moments away and creating a clean and supportive environment for the mother and newborn. By understanding the indicators of imminent birth and having essential supplies ready, you can ensure that the mother feels as comfortable and safe as possible during this intense experience. Your attentiveness, knowledge, and ability to create a clean and caring space are crucial in facilitating a successful and safe emergency birth.
The Delivery Process
Full PPE:
Before engaging in any medical procedure, including assisting in childbirth, it's crucial to don proper PPE. This typically includes wearing disposable gloves, a sterile gown, and a mask or face shield. PPE helps prevent the spread of infection and maintains a sterile environment for the mother and the newborn.
Dilation and Contractions:
Cervical dilation is a critical indicator of labor progression. A cervix that is fully dilated (10 cm) suggests that the baby is ready to be born. Contractions becoming less than 2 minutes apart indicate an advanced stage of labor, making it important to be prepared for imminent delivery.
Managing Crowning:
As the baby's head begins to crown, you can provide support to prevent rapid expulsion. Placing your hands gently on either side of the baby's head can help guide it out slowly. This controlled approach minimizes the risk of perineal tearing and ensures the mother's comfort.
Guiding the Baby's Head:
As the baby's head emerges, encourage the mother to pant or take shallow breaths. This prevents forceful pushing and allows the perineum to stretch gradually. The perineum is the area between the vagina and the anus, and it needs time to accommodate the baby's head.
Baby's Rotation and Shoulders:
The baby's head turning slightly to one side as it emerges is a natural movement that facilitates the passage of the shoulders through the birth canal. This rotation helps ensure a smoother delivery.
Supporting the Baby:
As the head emerges fully, it's important to provide gentle support to the baby's head and neck. This prevents any sudden movements that could strain the neck or spine. Maintaining a secure grip on the baby's head ensures a controlled delivery. Have a clean warm blanket or towel ready to catch the newborn as they slide out.
Primary Assessment and Documentation:
Conduct a quick assessment of the newborn's breathing, responsiveness, and overall condition. If the baby is breathing and appears healthy, allow the mother to hold the baby skin-to-skin while you continue monitoring.
Delay Cord Clamping:
Delayed cord clamping involves waiting a few minutes before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord. This allows the baby to receive additional blood volume and stem cells from the placenta, which can be beneficial for their health and development. When ready to clamp do so 4 and 6 inches away from the baby and wait for the placenta.
Waiting for the Placenta:
After the baby's birth, the placenta (also known as the afterbirth) is delivered. This usually happens within a few minutes to half an hour. Continue to monitor the mother for any signs of distress or bleeding while you wait for the placenta to be naturally expelled.
Conclusion
In the realm of emergency response, first responders serve as beacons of reassurance and skill during some of life's most intense and unexpected moments. As we conclude Part 1 of this series, we've explored the pivotal role these responders play in preparing expectant mothers for childbirth and guiding them through the delivery process. From addressing fears and creating a safe environment to offering gentle support and maintaining open communication, the steps taken during childbirth assistance are fundamental to ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the newborn.
Remember, each step requires precision, composure, and unwavering dedication to safety. While circumstances may differ, the principles of maintaining sterility, providing comfort, and effective communication stand as pillars of effective emergency birth assistance. Join us in Part 2 as we delve into the critical post-birth care of both the neonate and the mother, completing the comprehensive journey through this remarkable and life-affirming experience.
