Twins
When a mother is carrying more than
one baby, it is best for her to give birth
in a health center or hospital. It is more
likely that one baby will be in a wrong
position, or that there will be heavy
bleeding after the birth. But if you must
help a woman give birth to twins here is
what to do:
What to do:
1. Deliver the first baby just
as you would any single
baby.
2. When you cut the first
baby’s cord, carefully tie
the end that is coming
out of the mother. If you
do not, the second baby
could die.
Tie this end
of the cord too.
3. DO NOT give any injections.
4. Give the first baby to the mother to begin breastfeeding.
This will help get the second baby born.
5. The second baby should be born within 15 to 20 minutes.
Feel for its position. If the second baby is sideways, you can
gently try to turn it. If it will not turn easily, you must go to
the hospital.
Cord around the baby’s neck
Sometimes the cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck.
Usually you can just loosen the cord and slip it over the baby’s
head or shoulder.
If the cord is very tight and seems
to be holding the baby
back, you may have
to tie the cord in 2
places and then cut
it. Use clean string
and clean scissors.
Be careful not to
cut the baby or
the mother.
Difficult Bir ths 89
83
cutting the cord
TRANSPORT!
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012