I just wanted to add a point to the advice given in the article, "How Do I Handle an Emergency Birth?" (Clinical Queries, February 2005). I'd also have the nurse sweep the infant's neck for the cord before allowing the birth to proceed. If it's wrapped around the head, she should gently pull it over the head, if possible.

Recheck the infant's neck before the birth proceeds-the cord may be wrapped around it more than once.

Katie Wiater, RN, CSN

Pittsfield, Mass.