• When the baby is born, leave the umbilical cord intact. If the cord is around the baby's neck, simply lift it over.

• Wait for the natural delivery of the placenta. Do not use oxytocin - this forces too much too soon into the infant and compromises the placenta delivery.

• When the placenta delivers, place it into a receiving bowl beside the mother.

• Wait for full transfusion of the umbilical blood into the baby before handling the placenta.

• Gently wash the placenta with warm water and pat dry.

• Place the placenta into a sieve or colander for 24hrs to allow drainage.

• Wrap the placenta in absorbent material, a nappy or cloth and put in into a placenta bag. The covering is changed   daily or more often if seepage occurs. Alternatively, the placenta may be laid on a bed of sea salt (which is changed   daily) and liberally covered with salt.

• The baby is held and fed as the mother wishes.

• The baby is clothed loosely.

• The baby can be bathed as usual - keep the placenta with it.

• Keep movement to a minimum.