1.  Cervix softens and ripens.

2.  Light contractions cause the cervix to open up and thin out.

3.  Baby's head exerts pressure on cervix, speeding up dilation.

4.  When cervix is fully dilated, there may be a resting period.

5.  When contractions begin again, baby starts down the birth canal.

6.  Baby rotates as it navigates through the bony structure of the pelvis.

7.  With each contraction, the baby will advance down the birth canal, and slide
     back up a little after the end of the contraction.

8.  The head crowns.  As it emerges, the vaginal opening will be stretched around
     the largest diameter of the baby's head.  This sensation has been called by
     some the "ring of fire."

9.  After the head is born, the shoulders must rotate and slip from underneath the
     pelvic bone.  After this occurs, the rest of the body is born immediately.

10. The baby should be then handed to Mom and allowed to nurse if he or she
      desires.  Nursing helps the uterus to clamp down and stop bleeding, and
      expels the placenta.

11. The umbilical cord should not be cut until it stops pulsating, as the baby
      needs all the extra blood he or she can get.  There is no need to cut the cord all
      until the placenta arrives. This can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 days.

12. The baby should stay in skin-to-skin contact with Mom to
      help regulate his or her body temperature.  This works
      better than putting them in a warmer.

13. Baby should remain with mom at all times.  Later, after
      primary bonding has occurred, Dad can hold the baby
      while Mom showers.