So I know this is a bit off topic but I think it needs to be said.
Also, jaz you might already know all this but just in case you or anyone else doesn't...
I know you will only be 8 months pregnant but the truth is, you can deliver anywhere between now and your due-date without complications.
Just in case (not saying this will happen) you have an emergency birth, you should keep some things with you. It will be too hectic to try and rush you out of con and get you to a hospital in time so it would be best to call 911 and have the ambulance come to you.
Keep towels/blankets and some gloves. If you do go into labor you have to lay down (And I doubt you want to be straight on the ground) and the baby has to be wrapped and kept clean at all costs. Gloves because whoever has to deliver the baby (your husband, friend, or even a stranger) needs to have clean hands and there isn't always a sink nearby. Pillows are a bit too big to carry around but at least one would be good to put under your hips (your husband, friend, or stranger can help with keeping your shoulders up a bit).
You may all think this seems ridiculous to think about but it can happen and it's best to be prepared. That baby will come when HE is ready and not anyone else. Anyone afraid can easily read up on how to deliver a baby online. Just don't panic and if you don't think you could handle it, don't do anything. I'm serious. You may think it's stupid to not do anything but really...don't. Birth is a natural part of life and with or without help that baby will come. Helping when you are scared or doubtful might hurt both the baby and the mother.
For anyone who doesn't want to go searching, here are some steps simplified...
1) Get the mother to the ground. She can be on her side until the baby starts to come but she must be on her back for the birth.
2) Keep the area clear and clean. Put a blanket down under the mother's butt and legs where the baby will come.
3) Clean yourself. Gloves or wash your hands and then touch NOTHING but the mother, blankets, and the baby.
4) Have the mother pant and push with her contractions and watch for crowning.
5) When the baby crowns don't push or pull the head. Put your hands under the head and support it while guiding it out.
6) When the baby's head is fully out STOP the mother from pushing and clear the baby's airway (brushing down the nose to clear it out and use a blanket to wipe it's face).
7) Make sure the umbilical cord is NOT around the baby's neck (if it is, slip it around the baby's head and off).
Guide the baby's shoulder out carefully without pulling (you can push above the pelvis of the mother to help coax it out).
NOTE ) The baby will naturally turn as it comes out, don't try and change that!
9) When the shoulders are out, the baby will just slide the rest of the way out.
10) CATCH IT! Do your best to keep a hold of the baby because it will be slippery and probably wiggly a bit.
11) Wrap the baby head to tow without covering the face.
12) The placenta will deliver itself a few minutes later. Do NOT pull on the cord, cut it, pinch it, or even touch it. Just let it do it's own thing.
13) If the cord is not long enough for the baby to be put in the mother's arms, hold it until the placenta is 'birthed' and then place it and the baby with the mother.
Hopefully none of this will be needed but it is better knowing than not just in case.
Just know that nothing else is needed to birth a child and changing anything could endanger the child's life. Do NOT wash the baby with water when it is born. I know a bloody baby is kinda dirty but it is better than possibly harming the child. You can keep warm water around for the mother to wipe her brow or clean up blood on her or yourself but, again, NOT the child unless it is needed to keep the child safe.
Also, make sure no one touches the baby unless they are clean! This includes the mother and father. If they are dirty they could make the child sick because of it's low immune system. Another good use for water would be to clean the mother's hands so she can touch her own child.
