avel and should be held in place by
wrapping a "bellyband" or folded diaper around the baby. If a sterile
dressing is not available, no dressing or bellyband should be used.
Regardless of whether a dressing is applied or not, no powder,
solution, or disinfectant of any kind should be put on the cord or
navel.

If the afterbirth has not yet been expelled, cover the end of the
umbilical cord attached to it (and now protruding from the vagina) with
a sterile dressing and tie it in place.

[Illustration: Cut between the square knot by bringing the left tape
over right tape for first loop and right tape over left for second
loop. Tighten each loop firmly as tied. Use scissors or a razor blade
to cut cord.]

THIRD STAGE OF LABOR

Usually a few minutes after the baby is born (although sometimes an
hour or more will elapse) the mother will feel a brief return of the
labor pains which had ceased with the birth. These are due to
contractions of the uterus as it seeks to expel the afterbirth. _Do not
pull on the cord to hurry this process_.

Some bleeding is to be expected at this stage. If there is a lot of
bleeding before the afterbirth is expelled, the attendant should gently
massage the mother's abdomen, just above the navel. This will help the
uterus to tighten, help the afterbirth come out, and reduce bleeding.

It may be desirable to put the baby almost immediately to the mother's
breast for a minute or two on each side even though the mother will
have no milk as yet. This helps the uterus contract, and reduces the
bleeding.

Someone should stand by the mother and occasionally massage her abdomen
gently for about an hour after the afterbirth is expelled. After that
the mother should feel the rounded surface of the uterus through the
abdomen and squeeze firmly but gently with her fingers. The bedding
should be cleansed and the mother sponged. Washing and wiping of the
vaginal area should always be done from the front to the back in order
to avoid contamination. A sanitary napkin should be applied.

Keep the mother warm with blankets. She may have a slight chill. Give
her a warm (not hot) drink of sweetened tea, milk, or boullion. Wipe
her hands and face with a damp towel. She may drop off to sleep.

The mother's diet after delivery may include any available foods she
wishes. She may eat or drink as soon as she wants to, and she should be
encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, especially milk. Canned milk can
b