Ready or not, here I come!

We've all heard the stories of mommas

giving birth to their babies in the car, elevator, or unexpectedly at home. While these types of births are rare, they are a reality for mothers around the globe. In preparation for an upcoming rapid-birth-story post, I wanted to take a moment to look at what a rapid birth is and what you can do to prepare for the unexpected. A rapid birth, (also called a precipitous labor) is defined as labor that lasts less than 3 hours from the onset of contractions to the time of birth. Occurring in only 2% of all US births, rapid birth rarely results in complications for mother or baby. Perhaps the best way to avoid the slim possibility of birth in the backseat of your car or other unexpected place is to be able to identify the early signs of labor. However, labor can come on very quickly for some, so being knowledgable on what to do in the case of a rapid birth is a very smart idea!

If you expect a precipitous labor, head to the birthplace immediately and alert your caregiver. Stay calm. In cases where labor is progressing so quickly that mom feels an urge to push or the baby's head is visible, stay home and call for help. The following guide is taken from Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn and is extremely helpful in outlining the steps to take if you end up in a situation where your birth is unattended by your caregiver or a medical professional...

Do as many of the following tasks as possible if you expect a rapid birth without the attendance of your caregiver or a medical professional. A rapid birth can be hectic, but try to remember to use what you've learned about the birth process, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques.

• Get help, if possible. Call your partner, your caregiver, the hospital, or 911. If your partner can't physically be with you, try to enlist the help of another person - even a child - to assist you.

• Gather clean sheets, towels or paper towels, and extra clothing to be used during the birth and for your baby.

• Wash your hands.

• Remove all clothing from your bottom and vaginal area.

• Lie on your side or sit leaning back. Make sure you're in a clean place with enough room for your baby to rest as she slips out of your body.

• Put a sheet, towel, or some clothing under your bottom.

• Try not to hold your breath if your body is pushing. Keep panting through each contraction until your baby is born.

After your baby is born:

• Wipe away any mucus from her nose and mouth. Remove any membranes covering her face.

• Wipe her head and body to dry her.

• Place her on your abdomen or chest to keep her warm.

• Cover your baby and yourself using cloths, towels, or clothing.

• Don't cut the cord.

• Put your baby to your breast, and let her breastfeed, if possible.

• If you're at home, await the birth of the placenta. (If the placenta isn't expelled in 15-20 minutes, try kneeling to see if gravity can help it come out. If unsuccessful, then go to the hospital.) If you're in a car, have your partner or another person drive you and your baby to the hospital.

• Place the placenta in a bowl, newspaper, or cloth (it'll still be attached to the cord and your baby).

• Place towels or a pad between your legs to absorb the blood flow.

• Go to the hospital or get medical help as soon as possible to check both you and your baby. A medical professional will also cut the umbilical cord and check your placenta.

From Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Simkin, Whalley, Keppler, Durham, & Bolding

#precipitouslabor #rapidbirth