Most babies are born with the doctor or midwife nearby, here is how to handle it if you find yourself in this situation without medical help.

Difficulty Level: average      Time Required: 30 minutes

1. Don't panic.
2. Call for help, if possible. (911, midwife, doctor)
3. Remind mother to breathe slowly.
4. Place hand on baby's head, allowing it to come out slowly.
5. Do not pull on the baby's head or body.
6. As the baby is born gently stroke downward on the baby's nose.
7. Place the baby skin to skin with the mother.
8. Place something warm over both of them.
9. Have mother breastfeed baby, if possible.
10. If placenta is born, place next to baby.
11. Wait for assistance, or finish driving to place of birth.
    

1. Grab towels or shirts to wrap mom and baby up if possible. If in a car look for emergency blanket.
2. Cutting the cord can cause mom and/or baby to bleed and removes source of oxygen for baby.
3. Having mom breastfeed reduces the amount of blood she loses.
   

Related Features:

• Emergency Birth
• Unassisted Birth
• Labor Basics