Midwifery Emergencies at a Glance by Campbell Denise Carr Susan M. & Susan M. Carr

Author:Campbell, Denise,Carr, Susan M. & Susan M. Carr [Campbell, Denise (Dee) & Carr, Susan M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781119138044
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Published: 2018-08-22T00:00:00+00:00

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Receiving the baby in the operating theatre

The infant born in the operating theatre, by elective or emergency Caesarean section or instrumental delivery, is generally received by a midwife. The midwife’s sole responsibility in this birth situation is to support, monitor and care for the baby in the initial minutes after birth (Macdonald & Johnson, 2017).

Antepartum preparations

Whenever possible, it is helpful for the parents to meet the midwife who will receive their baby during the forthcoming surgical procedure. The midwife should introduce him/herself and explain the likely course of events in the theatre related to the moments immediately after the birth of the baby. It is important to explain a theatre gown and possibly a cap will be worn and therefore they will not be immediately recognisable to the parents. At this point it is appropriate to enquire how the woman has decided to feed her baby.

Review the mother’s history to assess for potential risks to the baby.

The midwife checks that any equipment that may be needed is present in the theatre, including the Resuscitaire. This should be switched on before the birth to enable good visualisation for the midwife and provide a warm surface on which to place the baby.

The documentation to be completed following the birth should be available, together with two ID labels for the baby.

If it is expected that fetal blood sampling (sampling from the placenta) may be necessary, especially if the procedure is being undertaken due to a deterioration in the fetal condition, the appropriate syringe(s), needles and sample bottles should be made ready but not labelled until the mother’s notes are available in the theatre and her identity has been confirmed.

A cot for the baby should be prepared outside the theatre in the recovery area together with a nappy and clothes. The environment should be kept warm.

The neonatologist may be alerted at this point, if the condition of the baby has been called into question (NICE, 2011).

Once the midwife has confirmed that everything is ready to receive the infant, they may put on a theatre hat to cover their hair – this will be determined by the local Trust policy. They should then wash and dry their hands and don a sterile gown and gloves before entering the theatre.

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