Every mum and dad to be will fleetingly worry about the possibility of not making it to the hospital on time and having to deliver their own baby. In reality the vast majority of labours take a long time and give a lot of warning signs so this rarely happens however it is useful for all parents to be and birth partners to know what to do. Not only so they can cope in the case of an emergency but also to slightly dispel their fears.

So here are the steps to take to deliver a baby in an emergency:

1. Stay calm this, in turn, will help to reassure mum
2. If you can get to a phone call your midwife or the emergency services. They can get an ambulance on the way and talk you through what to do.
3. Ask the mother to start panting and try not to push. This may delay the delivery long enough for help to arrive
4. Wash the vaginal area and your hands with soap and water or antibacterial soap
5. If possible get a lot of towels or sheets to place under the mother. The area should be clean for the baby and there will also be a lot of blood and fluid. If you can then get a large bowl to catch the amniotic fluid when the waters break.
6. If you can elevate the mother, for example on a bed, then this will give you a better view of the vagina to aid delivery. Now is not the time for a standing up birth as you need to be able to see and control what is going on. Lying down may also slow the delivery and buy extra time to allow the emergency services to arrive.
7. When the baby begins to crown (i.e. you see the head) put gentle pressure on the perineum. This will control baby’s entry into the world a bit more. Ask the mother to pant and stop pushing. Let baby’s head slowly come out.
8. Feel around baby’s neck to see if the umbilical cord is around it. If so ease your fingers under it and work it slowly over baby’s head.
9. Putting your hands on baby’s head press very gently downwards as you ask mum to push. You should now see the first shoulder appear.
10. Once the first shoulder is out move baby’s body upwards to allow the second shoulder to come out.
11. Don’t let go! Baby is now going to slip right out!
12. Once baby is out put him or her onto mum’s stomach or chest. Do not tug on the umbilical cord.
13. If one is available wrap baby in a clean blanket, sheet or towel.
14. If the emergency services are on their way then do not cut the cord.
15. Do not pul on the cord or try to deliver the placenta but if it does deliver naturaly then wrap it in a towel and elevate it above baby.