Although it is uncommon for women to have such an unexpected and sudden labour that they have to deliver their own baby, there is still a chance that it could happen.

We understand that the thought of delivering a baby on your own seems daunting, maybe even terrifying, which is why we’d like to offer you some practical advice if you do ever find yourself in that situation.

How do I deliver a baby myself?

Try to keep calm. We know, easier said than done, right? But panicking will only make this experience more challenging. Hopefully, your partner will be with you, but if you are alone, try to contact someone who can help, such as a neighbour or a friend who lives close by.

Call emergency services. Request an ambulance, explain to them what is happening, and ask them to contact your midwife. You can rest assured that all ambulance staff are well-trained in talking women through labour. Try to keep your phone on you at all times.

Wash your hands and the area around your vagina. Wash yourself with soap, put the kettle on to boil, and grab all the towels in the house. Cover your bed or floor with plastic sheeting. If you don’t have any plastic sheets, then rip open some big bags. Find a big plastic bowl or container to collect the amniotic fluid and blood. Then either lay on your bed or on the floor.

Breathe with short, controlled breaths. If you feel the urge to labour or bear down, then lie down and start breathing or panting in short, controlled breaths, which will prevent your baby’s head from appearing suddenly. You may know this breathing practice from your antenatal classes.
Place your hands on the baby’s head. If, despite panting, your baby’s head appears, then place both hands on your baby’s head and apply light to moderate pressure to ensure the baby’s head is delivered slowly and gradually. Once the baby’s head is out, check that the umbilical cord is not wrapped around the neck. If it is, unhook it carefully with your finger over your baby’s head.

Gently stroke away the mucus. Gently stroke your baby’s nose in a downward action and then an upward action from the neck and chin to expel any amniotic fluid or mucus from the nose and mouth.

Apply pressure to help deliver the first shoulder. Hopefully, help has arrived by now, but if not, you’ll need to place your hands around your baby’s head and apply pressure downwards (without pulling or jerking) to deliver one of the shoulders. Gently press the head and shoulder against your pubic bone to release the second shoulder. After both shoulders have been delivered, the rest of the body should slip out easily and can be placed straight onto your abdomen. Wrap your baby in towels right away.

Drain the placenta's blood into the baby. You do not need to pull or cut the umbilical cord. If the placenta delivers spontaneously, hold it up so the blood drains into the baby.
Make sure you and your baby are warm. The most important thing to remember is that you and your baby are kept warm until help arrives.

How do I cope if delivery happens suddenly?

On Unii’s Giving Birth Journey, we share how to manage an unexpected arrival.