Recently, midwife Cathy Rude showed immense dedication and resourcefulness by braving floodwaters in Texas to deliver a baby. The water was too deep to walk in without damaging her medical equipment, so a neighbor came to the rescue by lending her an inflatable swan to float to her patient. Rude successfully delivered the baby, and both mother and child are doing well.
Babies are unpredictable, and they often arrive when least expected, even during natural disasters. While labor and delivery are no walk in the park, being prepared for childbirth during an emergency can make all the difference. In such situations, epidurals and modern medicine may not be available, so it's crucial to be prepared for your baby to come at the most inconvenient times.
It’s essential to have a conversation with your healthcare provider about your concerns and to ensure proper prenatal care. In case of a disaster, you may need to evacuate, seek a new OBGYN or midwife, and continue your prenatal care. A healthy pregnancy is the foundation for a healthy delivery.
Essential Childbirth Supplies
Preparing for childbirth requires a few key supplies. Consider taking a childbirth class, checking if your local hospital offers one, or even apprenticing with a doula or midwife. Additionally, infant life support classes can be incredibly helpful—learning CPR for infants can save lives in emergencies.
- Blood pressure cuff to monitor the mother’s vitals
- Stethoscope to monitor the baby’s heart rate
- Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (Book)
- Contraction Timer App
- Heater, towels, and blankets to keep the baby warm
- Nasal Aspirator to clear fluid from nose and mouth
Signs of Labor
Most first-time mothers experience a few false alarms before actual labor begins. Contractions can be tricky to pinpoint, and many women experience Braxton Hicks contractions (false contractions), which are just the body’s way of preparing. These typically stop when you change positions.
Early labor can last a few days, while active labor is defined by cervical dilation and contractions that become stronger and closer together. Once the cervix begins changing and contractions intensify, your baby is on the way!
- Contractions coming 5-10 minutes apart
- Mother unable to walk or talk during a contraction
- Pain in the lower back or belly
- Pain that doesn’t go away with position changes
- Water breaking, which may be a rush of fluid or a trickle
- Red or brownish mucus discharge (bloody show)
Stay Calm—Baby Is Coming!
The most important thing during labor, especially in an emergency, is to remain calm. Stress can negatively affect both mother and baby. Keep her as relaxed as possible, which will help keep her body from tensing up. Fear can impede the labor process, so creating a calm environment is key.
Help the mother to find the most comfortable position for labor. This likely won’t be lying flat on her back—let her choose a position that works best for her. If she’s upright, place a pillow between her legs for comfort and to provide a soft landing for the baby when it arrives.
- Keep the room warm to help relax the mother
- Ensure the environment is as clean and calm as possible
- Place the baby on the mother’s chest and gently rub the baby with a towel
- Wipe away any excess fluids from the baby’s mouth to help them breathe
- Monitor the mother for signs of shock or excessive bleeding
- Start breastfeeding immediately to help the uterus contract and stop bleeding
