Delivery and Immediate Neonatal Care Book
2. Introduction
Book Authors
William J. Keenan, MD, FAAP | Enrique Udaeta, MD | Mariana López, MD, MBA | Susan Niermeyer, MD, MPH, FAAP | Daniel Martinez Garcia, MD, MPH | Laurent Hiffler, MD
Introduction
Approximately 2.9 million babies die each year in the first 28 days after birth. Nearly the same number of stillbirths occur annually, with a significant proportion occurring during labor and delivery. Most of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Regions affected by conflict, social upheaval, or natural disasters are consistently associated with high rates of perinatal and neonatal mortality.
Basic interventions at and immediately after birth can prevent many of these deaths. These include prompt resuscitation, skin-to-skin care to maintain normal temperature, early and exclusive breastfeeding, as well as recognition of danger signs and prevention/treatment of infection.