Many of the roles you performed during the first stage of labor will be required during the second stage as well. Additionally you will be required to provide support and encourage the mother to push.
Of course if there is a medical emergency you must be prepared to recognize it and provide the medical attendants with the room and freedom to do their jobs.
Your partner will provide valuable feedback about the help and encouragement she needs during the delivery. Feel free to ask the midwife as well if you are uncertain what needs to be done. The mother will by now have figured out what postions are the most comfortable and you can be supportive.
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During the last few contractions prior to the delivery of the baby try providng a breathing mantra such as breathe, breathe, pant, pant, blow. At this time she will have many things on her mind, so you should gently remind her to relax her pelvic floor.
Encourage the mother to relax between contractions as she will need all of her energy and strength to push the baby through the birth canalThe passage through which the baby passes during delivery from the inlet of the true pelvis to the vaginal orifice.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. Make sure she is not too hot and mop her face and brow if necessary.
Once the baby's head has crownedThe term given to the moment when a baby's head first appears in the vagina during delivery, and does not slip back in.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. your role will become that of an observer. The midwife will take over and guide the mother through this stage. The mother will be very busy with the delivery, so don't be disapointed if she doesn't communicate with you.
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When the baby's head has appeared hold a mirror so that the mother can see it reflected and watch to see each shoulder, then the whole body appearing. Encourage her to reach down and touch the baby's head as it is born.
Ask the midwife if you can catch the baby as it's body emerges from the birth canalThe passage through which the baby passes during delivery from the inlet of the true pelvis to the vaginal orifice.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. After you have been the first to greet the new baby, place it on the mother's stomach. Cuddle them both to provide emotional support and remind them that you are there. Both you and the mother will be flooded with emotions such as relief, tears, silence, exhaustion, joy; even be a bit squeamish. Welcome to a new stage in your family's story.
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