When a baby is born to a mother being treated for complications, the management of the newborn will depend on:
- whether the baby has a condition or problem requiring rapid treatment;
- whether the mother’s condition permits her to care for her newborn completely, partially or not at all.
BABIES WITH PROBLEMS
- gasping or not breathing;
- breathing with difficulty (less
than 30 or more than 60 breaths per minute, indrawing of the chest or
- central cyanosis (blueness);
- pretern or very low birth weight (less than
1 500 g);
- hypothermia/cold stress (axillary temperature less than
- The following conditions require early treatment:
- low birth weight (1500 g - 2500 g)
- possible bacterial infection in an apparently normal
newborn whose mother had prelabour or prolonged rupture of membranes
- possible congenital syphilis (mother has positive serologic test or is symptomatic).
• If the
newborn has a malformation or other problem that does not require urgent (labour ward)
- Provide routine initial newborn care;
- Transfer the baby to the appropriate service to care for sick newborns as quickly as possible.
BABIES WITHOUT PROBLEMS
- Wrap the baby in a soft, dry cloth, cover with a blanket and ensure the head is covered to prevent heat loss;
- Observe frequently.
- If the
mother’s condition requires prolonged separation from the baby, transfer the baby to the appropriate service to care for newborns (see below).
Explain the baby’s problem to the mother.
- Keep the baby warm. Wrap the baby in a soft, dry cloth, cover with a blanket and ensure the head is covered to prevent heat loss.
- Transfer the baby in the arms of a health care provider if possible. If the
baby requires special treatment such as oxygen, transfer in an incubator or bassinet.
- Initiate breastfeeding as soon as the baby is ready to suckle or as soon as the mother’s condition permits.
breastfeeding has to be delayed due to maternal or newborn problems, teach the mother to express breastmilk as soon as possible and ensure that this milk is given to the
- Ensure that the service caring for the newborn receives the record of the labour and delivery and of any treatments given to the newborn.
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