05/25/2022
Things are going great, the contractions are under control. You had a chat with your doula and midwife and they're making their way to your place. You begin to notice that the pace of your contractions has picked up and things are just that bit tougher - you're breathing through the waves and time is stating to fade in and out.
Maybe you notice transition - a brief phase of nausea, and maybe even throw up, or maybe you require an urgent trip to the washroom to make more space!
Then things get real when you realize there's an urge down deep to push. Your body has taken over and it's time to get that baby out. But the midwife hasen't arrived yet. Eek! What should you do?
Remember, that when babies come fast it's usually because everything is FINE. Take a breath, own the moment.
Do what feels good! Need to push? Push! Need to change positions? Change positions! On your side or on all fours with a blanket or towel below is helpful.
Do call the midwife and put them on speaker phone. If you aren't under midwifery care and had planned on a hospital birth, call 911.
DO NOT pull or twist the baby’s head when the baby is being born.
Do unloop the cord if it is around baby's neck and ensure baby's face is clear. If baby is blue or limp, rub their back vigorously and breath into their mouth.
Do keep baby and yourself warm and try to do skin-to-skin after birth.
DO NOT tie, clamp or attempt to cut the umbilical cord. Wait for your midwife or EMS to arrive to help with the placenta and cord.
Do enjoy the first moments with your little one and the incredible story they will have the rest of their lives 💙
* This is not medical advice, but a guideline should you find yourself experiencing a precipitous birth. Please always review your plan for a fast, unattended birth with your midwife or care provider.
