Usually there is plenty of time after the beginning of first labor
pains to get ready for the delivery. Signs of labor are low backache,
bloody-tinged mucous strings passing from the birth canal, or a gush of
water from the birth canal.
The mother will need a clean surface to lie on. Her bed should be so
arranged that the mattress is well protected by waterproof sheeting or
pads made from several thicknesses of paper covered with cloth. Cover
these protective materials with a regular bedsheet.
A warm bed should be made ready in advance for the baby. It may be a
clothes basket, a box lined with a blanket, or a bureau drawer placed
on firm chairs or on a table. If possible, warm the baby's blanket,
shirt, and diapers with a hot water bottle. Warm bricks or a bag of
table salt that has been heated can be used if a hot water bottle is
not available.
A knife, a pair of scissors, or a razor should be thoroughly cleansed
and sterilized in preparation for cutting the umbilical cord. If there
is no way to boil water to sterilize them (the preferred method of
sterilization), sterilize them by submersion in 70 percent isopropyl
alcohol solution for at least 20 minutes or up to 3 hours, if possible.
Sterile tapes for tying the umbilical cord will be needed. (Do not
remove them from their sterile wrappings until you are ready to use
them.) If no tapes are available, a clean shoestring or a strip of
sheeting (folded into a narrow tie) can be boiled and used wet as a
cord tie substitute.