Safe Birth Checklist

18 items · Health · Medium difficulty · 30 min

Practical steps to make facility births safer for mothers and newborns.

• Confirm staffing and roles for current shift

  List who will attend deliveries and emergency contacts.

• Assign a birth companion if the mother requests one

  Confirm the companion's name and role to support the mother.

• Prepare delivery room
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and linens

  Use approved disinfectants and fresh linens before each birth.

• Set up resuscitation equipment with working bag-mask and suction

  Check functionality, batteries, and oxygen if available.

• Prepare clean delivery kit and uterotonic

  Include sterile gloves, clamps, blade, cord tie and oxytocin per protocol.

• Review mother's medical history and allergies

  Note past cesareans, bleeding risks, hypertension, or other conditions.

• Obtain informed consent and explain planned care

  Use clear, respectful language and confirm understanding.

• Monitor labor progress using a partograph or regular checks

  Record cervical dilation, fetal heart rate, and contraction pattern.

• Check maternal vital signs per facility protocol

  Measure blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and urine as indicated.

• Recognize and act on complications; arrange referral when needed

  Follow referral criteria for hemorrhage, eclampsia, or fetal distress.

• Provide respectful, privacy-preserving care; ask permission before exams

  Ensure dignity, language support, and informed involvement.

• Provide immediate newborn care
• Assess newborn breathing and clear the airway if needed

  Stimulate, suction mouth then nose; call for help if no effective breathing.

• Start skin-to-skin contact and keep the newborn warm

  Dry baby and place on mother's chest; cover both with a warm blanket.

• Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour

  Support latch and provide help if the mother or baby has difficulty.

• Administer uterotonic after birth and monitor for bleeding

  Give per protocol and check uterine tone and blood loss frequently.

• Document delivery details and give postnatal follow-up instructions

  Record time of birth, interventions, and advise on danger signs and appointments.

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