By Susana Fierro-Baig
Whether planning a home or hospital delivery it is prudent for every expectant couple to read the following instructions as there is always the possibility of giving birth without an assistant. Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance is dangerous at all times, but especially so during childbirth. Ignorance is dangerous, but not because giving birth necessarily demands much education. Dr. Gary White, author of "Emergency Childbirth," maintains that any 8 year old can usually deliver a baby. Ignorance is dangerous because fear, which causes much pain and complication is prevented, or overcome, through faith and knowledge.
The following instructions for unassisted birth were originally entitled, "What If It Happens Without the Midwife." They were given to me by the midwife who assisted me during my first home birth- just in case she was not able to arrive in time. I have added related scripture references, which are in blue, as well as comments which are in italics. Childbirth will not seem like such an emergency or scary experience after reading this.
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Please remember that you brought this baby into the womb without the services of a midwife and you can also bring it into the world - it is the mother who delivers the baby- not the midwife. Also, please remember foremost, that it was God that gave life to the baby in your womb and that He, as is usually done, can bring your baby out of the womb and into this world without complications (if it is His will.) Remember that His Spirit will guide and empower you- if you allow it.
Related scripture: 1) 1Cor. 3:7-9, " I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (Grk. caused growth.) Now he that planteth and that watereth are one;...For we are labourers together with God." 2) Prov. 3:6, "acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Isa. 58:11, "the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul... and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." 3) Isa. 40:31, "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."
When a baby is being born (whether quickly or slowly), the most important and useful things to remember are - the love of all involved and trust in the process.
Related scripture: 1) 2 Tim. 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love and a sound mind." 2) 1 John 4:18, "Perfect love casteth out fear."
Mother, if you are alone- know that the knowledge of generations of birthing women is in your cells... the legacy of your grandmothers and ministering angels assist you.
Related scripture: 1) 2 Tim 1:5, "Timothy,... When I called" to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." 2) Matt. 4:11, "... behold, angels ministered...." 3) Acts 27: 22-24, "...I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you,... For there stood by me this night the angel of God... Saying, Fear not..." 4) James 1:5, "if any of you lack wisdom, let him/her ask of God."
1. Breathe. Call on your inner strength and the guidance of Holy Father & Divine Mother (however you may name them).
Related scripture: Ps. 18:6, "In my distress I call upon the Lord." 2) Joel 2:32, "...whosoever shall call on the Lord shall be delivered."
2. Talk to the baby, such as "Baby, it looks like you want to come out quickly. We're a little surprised (or anxious...) but we definitely want to see you come out and we accept the way that- it is happening. If you too are surprised or scared we will help you feel safe and loved." Remind your baby that God's Spirit will accompany him/her as it passes through the birth canal and sac of water and therefore need not be afraid to be born.
Related scripture: Prov. 23:7, "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." 2) Isa. 43, 44, "... Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee...For I am the Lord thy God...I have loved thee... I am with thee: I will bring thy seed (forth).... I have declared, and saved, .... therefore ye are my witness, saith the Lord, that I am God. Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall (turn it back)? Thus saith the Lord that made thee and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not... For I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring... I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. Fear ye not, neither be afraid."
3. Prepare the area around the mother to receive the baby. Be sure a clean pad or towel is under the mother if possible; a bulb syringe to suction the baby if needed; baby blankets and hat to cover the baby; cord clamps and scissors (boiled if possible); and a bowl to catch the placenta. Remember - these things are secondary to the birthing. Do not sacrifice caring for the mother, baby, ... to attend to "things."
Related scripture: Rom. 12 10, " Be kindly affectioned one to another with (sisterly) love...fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to hospitality... bless (with praise and positive faith-filled words) and curse not (with fearful or negative statements)... Rejoice with them that do rejoice..."
4. Assist the mother in allowing her body to guide the process. Her own bodily sensations can tell what is right and when is right. Sometimes women feel overwhelmed and want guidance - direct her towards awareness of her inner sensations. If that does not work try having her lie on her left side with her right leg supported up when pushing starts- this may help slow the process so she can be with it. If the woman trusts God, her body and the process, and resists fear, she may not have to push - only release her baby by relaxing and allowing her body to expel the baby.
Related scripture: 1) Isa. 58:11, "(T)he Lord shall guide thee continually." 2) 1Thess. 3:1, "Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we sent... our fellow laborer in Christ... to know your faith... (W)e were comforted ... in all our afflictions and distress by your faith."
5. To allow for total dilation before pushing, assist her in breathing through contractions without adding her pushing effort to the natural pushing of the uterus. Sometimes there is no way to control this- that's ok. "Breathe through" contractions without pushing by - panting like a dog, or quick, shallow blowing at the height of the pushing urge it may be preferable to consider it the releasing urge. Be sure to breathe deeply and normally whenever that technique is not needed.
6. You may begin perineal massage (and/or applying oil and hot towel compresses) when you see the baby's head during a contraction. Remember that the baby usually rocks back and forth, in and out during this stage. In some fast births the baby comes out directly. Help her relax muscles and stretch the skin by your gently and firm touch, just as in prenatal perineal massage.
7. To assist slow and/or gentle delivery of the head, have the mother put her hands on the head and her vaginal skin to give her more feedback on what's happening down there. As the opening begins to stay open with most of the baby's head, even between contractions, help the mother "breathe through" contractions again so the head can ease out. You can gently guide the head downward from the clitoris and urethra at the top, while firmly supporting the skin between the vagina and anus. Remember - most women agree that tearing at birth is not the end of the world, or their vagina.
8. The baby's head usually comes out face down and is often bluish, which is Ok at this point. It then turns to one side soon after, as the shoulders position themselves vertically to come out next. This can take a minute or two and may seem like an eternity. You can talk sweetly to the baby, remembering that it hears what you are saying very clearly. If there is lots of fluid on it face you can gently dry it off if you wish.
9. If you want and/or remember, you can check for the cord around the baby's neck. In most very fast births the cord is not there or it is plenty loose for the baby to get all the way out without any problem. (If there is a stall at this point, try to loop any cord over the head or pull a loop of it gently to give slack. If that doesn't work, clamp the cord in two places and about an inch apart and cut between them. Then have mom push hard until the baby comes all the way out. Again, this is very rarely needed, especially if a birth is fast.)
10. Do not pull the baby out- the baby may slide out slowly or quickly. To help prevent tearing from the shoulders, you can support the top and bottom of the vagina with your hands as the mother reaches down to receive the baby in her hands with the next contraction after the head comes out. Place the baby on the mother (if her position allows) with its head slightly lower than the body to allow natural clearing of the lungs and mouth. Cover the baby, gently massaging it and say hello! Be sure you are breathing so the baby knows what to do! Bulb syringe the baby if there is excess fluid or mucous in its mouth or nose, that it can't handle itself. Babies often are bluish for a minute or two and that's ok. If the baby is slow or limp, give it more encouragement with massage, talking, moving, and breathing in its face. Remember love and trust.
11. There is no hurry or need to cut the cord unless it is too short to allow comfortable holding of the baby. You can let the placenta deliver while still attached to the baby and it will do no harm. Anyway, midwives almost always arrive before the placenta is born. Signs that the placenta has separated from the uterus are a small gush of blood and lengthening of the cord. The mother may also feel a contraction -she can hand you the baby and squat to let the placenta come out in a bowl or an underpad. It's normal to have a cup or so of blood loss at this time.
12. Once the placenta is out, feel the uterus. It is usually the size and consistency of a grapefruit. (If it is not lie that &/or there is more than a slight trickle of blood, massage the uterus firmly to get it to be like a grapefruit. If there's a large, uncontrollable gush- call 911, then massage and squeeze the uterus until help arrive.
When the birth is over with, help the mother and baby to get into a position that is comfortable for breastfeeding. Relax and enjoy having a new family member. Remember the love and trust and to offer praises to God.
Related scripture: 1) Ps 50:14, "Offer unto God thanks... And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." 2) Ezra 3:11, "And they sang together... in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord."
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