7. Summary

When treating newborns, good hand hygiene must be observed, and babies must be protected from contamination.

For all newly born infants the first step is to ensure thermal protection and dry the infant thoroughly; next, position the head, clear the airway as necessary, and stimulate the breathing child. Evaluate breathing. If apnea, gasping, or inadequate breathing is observed, give positive-pressure ventilation and mobilize additional resuscitation team members. The child is evaluated again after 1 minute of positive-pressure ventilation and steps to improve ventilation (if necessary). If apneic, support is continued. When heart rate is >100 beats per minute and spontaneous respirations are adequate, positive-pressure ventilation is discontinued.

Communication with and emotional support for the mother is of high priority. Mothers and babies should be kept together, if at all possible. Infants with ongoing problems or high-risk conditions should be referred to a higher level of care as appropriate.