Homebirth with nuchal cord

by Teri Hopwood
(Phila, Pa)

I am happy to say that my midwife knew 6 hours before delivery that
the cord was wrapped around my daughter's neck, just by listening with a fetoscope.

It was loose enough so the midwife was able to slip her fingers under it and loop it over the baby's head upon presentation and before the complete birth.

She did have a meconeum staining and it took a minute to get her muscle tone intact but was healthy and breastfeeding within the hour.

I do not think this would have happened in a hospital but chances are they would not have known ahead of time since they rely on a fetal monitor
and not as much on their hands on skills.