» If you're giving birth alone, use your hand to hold and guide the baby out. Keep the newborn's head below the rest of its body to help drain any fluid out of its lungs.
» Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away fluid from the baby's nose and mouth to facilitate breathing.
» If the newborn has difficulty breathing, hold it on its stomach and gently but vigorously rub its back in a circular motion. Another alternative: Lightly flick your fingertips on the bottoms of the baby's feet.
» Tie off the umbilical cord using some sort of string or cloth. Don't cut it until medical help arrives.
