5.3  Conducting delivery of the baby

Your skill and judgment are crucial factors in minimising trauma for the mother and ensuring a safe delivery for the baby. These qualities are acquired through experience but certain basic principles must be applied whatever the expertise you have. These are:

• Observation of progress of the labour
• Prevention of infection
• Emotional and physical comfort of the mother
• Anticipation of normal events
• Recognition of abnormal labour or fetal distress.