AFTER
DELIVERY
After
delivery, hold the baby with his or her head slightly
lower than the feet to drain fluid from the nose and
throat. Do not hold the baby upside down or slap him
or her. Gently dry off the baby and wrap him or her
in a dry towel or blanket. The baby should start breathing
and his or her color should improve as oxygen is breathed
in. If the baby does not start breathing, place the
baby on his or her back and gently rub the chest or
tap the bottoms of the feet. If the baby still does
not begin breathing, start mouth-to-mouth-and-nose
resuscitation (see p. 1197).
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CUTTING
THE UMBILICAL CORD
The
umbilical cord will pulsate during the birth and afterward,
indicating that the baby is still receiving blood from
the mother. Do not cut the cord until it stops pulsating.
After it has stopped pulsating, tie off the cord tightly
with heavy string, a clean shoelace, or sterile tape
about 4 inches from the baby; tie it again 2 to 4 inches
from the first string. Cut between the two ties. Wrap
the baby in a soft blanket and place him or her on
the mother’s stomach. |
