592. Labor and Delivery

Shabbos 2:11

When a woman in labor squats to deliver, she is considered a patient in danger and Shabbos is violated for her. A midwife may be brought from a distant location and the baby’s umbilical cord may be cut and tied. If she needs light when she cries out from her labor pains, a light may be lit for her. This is even true for a blind woman because the light has a calming effect even if she can’t see it. If she needs something like oil, it may be brought for her. If possible, things that are brought to her should be carried in an unusual fashion, such as having a friend transport a utensil tied up in her hair. If this not practical, items may be brought in the usual fashion.

Shabbos 2:12

We should not help an idolatrous woman give birth on Shabbos, even if they offer to pay. In such a case, we are not concerned with the possibility of generating ill will. This is so even if no labor is required. One may even offer to assist to a daughter of a ger toshav (a non-Jew who accepts the Noachide laws) in giving birth on Shabbos, since we are required to assist and support them, though we may not perform acts of labor for her.