Emergency Childbirth: A Manual

by Gregory J. White

Polica Training Foundation 1958 semi-softcover 63pp. Spiral binding.

76 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its stunning how much of what is in this book (originally published in 1951) is echoed in the philosophy of the natural, home-birth movement: it's a natural process, so just be there to help the mother... don't try to rush or force anything if its not explicitly called for by the situation. Best quote (so far):

"Since the babies in these circumstances are not suffering from the effects of anesthetics or pain-relieving drugs given to the mother, they rarely require resuscitation." - p. vi

That's funny...you talk to most modern doctors, and they claim there is almost NO risk associated with modern pain-killers and anesthetics. But, then why would the baby require help breathing? Sure sounds like an OD to me.

What I liked most was how empowering it makes you feel, as a coach/attendant/guy-trapped-in-an-elevator-with-a-pregnant- woman. Whereas most books, even the natural birth ones, speak in terms of normal or emergency births, this manual, in just a few pages, helps the reader to understand many of the variations on normal, as well as the basics of what to do for abnormal. All of it with a "anyone can do this, so just breathe and do it" approach...which is pretty cool.

[Filip Deptula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book helpful and concise as someone who will be a new father. It’s use of language is a little dated, and the last topic of disaster conditions being nuclear or biochemical attacks seems a little ridiculous to modern readers, but it provides a great, actionable plan in case your birthing plan cannot be fulfilled due to emergency.

[Jaimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

While some parts clearly point to when it was written (like how to baptize a baby that dies), over all, this manual was highly comforting. It outlines a normal labor- indicating that pretty much an emergency birth attendant doesn't need to do anything. It also describes the most common complications and how to handle them. I found it really interesting that this little book written so many years ago so easily goes against today's commonly held idea that birth itself is an emergency that needs expert help.

You can find a .pdf version online for quick reference.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bizarre little book. It supports natural childbirth and is great as a quick guide for common emergent situations. I'll probably keep it in my doula bag. But, fear not, it also covers all your nagging questions regarding how to help if you find yourself attending a birth where the mother's head was suddenly removed by a streetcar or if your city is bombed by a nuclear weapon.

[Savanna Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informational.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone expecting or in the medical field. Great standard for care on some issues that are no long practiced by obs that should be. Recommends delay cord cutting, letting mother birth with out tons of people, following her body cues in most cases, not rushing. Deep breathing, delay cord cutting.
has how to baptize if needed which while Christian is still good for emt at lest I'd they are asked by the parents they can.

[Annika Barranti Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is the manual that firefighters used to be given in case they arrived on the scene of a too-fast birth before a "proper" care person. It outlines how birth works in very simple, basic terms, gives information about how to handle anything that might go wrong, and has the wonderful and true attitude that most births are NOT an emergency and WILL go just fine with no intervention.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is just one thing that I don't like about this book, and it is religious in nature. But, setting that aside, if you want a very short very helpful book about what to do in an emergency situation regarding birth (ie: not able to get to the hospital in time) then this is a FABULOUS book! "Emergency Preparedness" enthusiasts should definitely keep this in their library after reading it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This manual is brief and easy to navigate - exactly what you'd need if unexpectedly helping deliver a baby. Some things I had not heard of, and wondered if it meant the advice was outdated. I was surprised to find instructions for infant baptism in it, but that would be important for some couples.

[Aprill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully informative look on having an unassisted homebirth. Even if you choose not have a midwife, or doctor assist in your delivery, this book is a great look the female body during birth along with the possible complications and how to handle those complications.

[LaDonna Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very quick overview of birth and complications. Although I've been through the process 7 (soon to be 8) times, I feel like I learned something.