Independent Midwife Joy Horner on Being a Soft-Hearted Healthcare (S)Hero
In the second stage I do not dictate maternal position or coach pushing. As baby emerges the woman or partner receive the baby (unless there is a clinical reason for me to be hands-on, and that's rare). If the woman is unable to lift her own baby I place it beneath her (most women are kneeling), and cover baby with warm towel. Until the mother claims her own baby I visually assess baby's APGAR. No vigorous drying or stimulating are needed if baby is full term, cord is intact and colour, heart rate (assessed by feeling the cord) and tone are good.