b'Second Stage: Birth of the BabyChapter hapterAt this stage, the baby has moved down further into the birth canal. There will usually be an increase in bloodstained mucus and eventually the top of the babys head will become visible - this is called crowning. The baby will present head first. However, occasionally a baby may come buttocks first (breech birth) and the mother may be unable to give birth without trained medical assistance.When you observe the crowning process, wash your hands or change your gloves. The mother will be in some pain and feel the urge to push. Encourage her not to hold her breath. Help her stay calm and advise her to push only when the urge is very strong. As the baby is gradually pushed through the opening of the birth canal, gently support its head. Do not pull the baby, everything will happen naturally. Should the umbilical cord be caught around the babys neck, slide two fingers underneath and gently ease it over the babys head. There is enough slack in the cord to do this easily. When the babys head appears it will initially face downward, but as the baby is delivered, it will spontaneously rotate to face one side. This is quite normal.Support the babys head until the next contraction, during which the babys shoulders should appear. At this point, grasp underneath the babys armpits and gently lift it towards the mothers abdomen as the final contraction expels it entirely from the birth canal. Do not smack the baby.If the baby presents as a breech birth, it will be born body-first. The baby is unlikely to be expelled normally, so you must attempt to avoid the cord from becoming twisted in the birth canal. Gently pull down a loop of the cord to relieve the pressure. Seek medical assistance urgently. Care of the NewbornThe baby will be wet and slippery, and at this stage will cool down rapidly. It is essential that you retain the babys body heat by wrapping in a warm rug. Give baby to mother to hold, taking care not to interfere with the cord. Do not apply pressure on the cord.Childbirth 215'