Delivery
Babies can be born one of two ways - vaginally or by caesarean
section. Most babies are pushed out of the womb by their mothers; for some
babies though, it might not be safe for them or their mothers to be born this
way. Where this is the case the obstetricians will assist the birth of the baby.
The obstetricians can help by doing a:
- forceps delivery - this
is where the doctor inserts forceps into the mother's vagina and places
them around the baby's head. Depending on how the baby is lying, the
doctor will gently turn baby and or pull him out of the vagina to be born.
- ventouse delivery -
this is where the doctor places a soft cup on the baby's head and with
suction creates a seal. As the mother pushes, baby is gently pulled out of
the vagina to be born.
- caesarean section -
this is an operation where the doctor makes a cut into the mother's belly
and womb and then lifts baby out to be born.
Resuscitation
When babies are born, their bodies need to function differently
to when they were inside the womb. Some babies are unable to manage the
changeover; they get into difficulty and need additional help. If problems
are expected or become obvious after birth, then a paediatrician or specialist
nurse will attend to the baby in the delivery room or resuscitation room.
If the baby needs specialist help, he will be placed onto a resuscitaire.
This is a bed with a heater, which enables the doctor or nurse to
examine the baby and give warmth, suction (to clear the airways), oxygen and
ventilation (help with breathing). Most babies respond well to resuscitation
and have no further problems. Occasionally a baby may need to be admitted to
the neonatal unit.
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