 |
If you request it, you can be given an oxytocic medication to actively manage the 3rd stage of labour, just in case. |
|
If having a natural 3rd stage, depending on your wishes, your caregiver will either wait until the cord stops pulsating or wait until the placenta is delivered before placing clamps onto the cord, or not clamp the cord at all if you are having a Lotus Birth. |
|
The cord will be cut using surgical scissors by the caregiver or by the nominated person mentioned in your birth plan. You may want the baby's sibling to do this. |
|
Your caregiver will remove the metal clamp (the one closest to the woman, leading from the placenta) so that the cord blood can drain into a receptacle, if the cord is cut before the placenta is delivered. |
|
Cord blood is collected if the woman has a negative blood group. |
|
Arranging cord blood donation may be possible at a home birth if pre arranged with your caregiver. You will need to have an actively managed 3rd stage by administering an injection of oxytocic drugs and clamping and cutting the cord soon after the birth. |
|
Your caregiver will wait during the natural rest phase of the 3rd stage. |
|
They will watch for the signs of the placenta separating. |
|
The woman's abdomen may be gently checked for any uterine changes and contractions. |
|
Your caregiver may suggest natural methods for stimulating placental separation, such as latching the baby on the breast, herbs or acupressure. |
|
Your caregiver may gently 'rub up' the uterus if there are signs of excessive bleeding to encourage the uterus to contract and expel the placenta more rapidly. An ambulance may be called to transfer the woman to the hospital if the bleeding is too heavy. |
|
If rubbing up the uterus is unsuccessful your caregiver will administer an injection of oxytocic medication either into the woman's thigh or through the vein. |
|
You may be transferred to the hospital if the placenta is not showing signs of separation and there is no heavy bleeding (after 1 to 2 hours or more). A doctor may need to manually remove the placenta. |
|
Once clear signs of placental separation have been noted your caregiver may ask you to squat or stand and push your placenta out or |
|
They will gently apply steady tension and pressure by pulling the cord to deliver the placenta while supporting the uterus with the other hand or |
|
Ask the woman to gently pull on the cord to deliver the placenta (similar to removing a tampon). |
|
Your caregiver will hold the placenta in their hands and gently ease out the rest of the attached membranes if they do not come readily. |
|
Your caregiver may ask you to push or even cough to deliver the placenta and membranes out from your vagina and then place the placenta into a receptacle or |
|
A surgical clamp may be placed on the membrane that can be seen outside the vagina, so the membrane can be twisted around the clamp to deliver them. |
|
Your caregiver will examine the placenta, membranes and cord and note any abnormalities, usually in front of you explaining 'what is what' unless you request this not be done. Your caregiver will place your placenta into a plastic bag or container, to be put into the freezer for you to keep for any rituals or take it away with them to dispose of it if you decline to keep it. |
|
If any pieces of the placenta or membranes are not accounted for it is noted on your paperwork that the placenta is 'incomplete'. Also the membranes can be noted as being 'ragged', reminding your caregiver to take a 'wait and see' approach. |