Slide 1
Note: In this presentation, the term “newborn” refers to a baby between birth and one month old.
Slide 3
Newborn care is important because major causes of newborn death are birth asphyxia and infection. A skilled attendant at childbirth who can assess the newborn correctly, perform essential interventions and does not delay resuscitation if indicated, is crucial. The attendant should also be able to care for or transport a sick newborn if needed.
Slide 6
WHO estimates that almost half of newborn mortality is associated with preterm or low birth weight babies (Child Health Research Project and Maternal and Neonatal Health Program 1999).
Slide 10
Newborns are uniquely susceptible to hypothermia because they have a large body surface area, which helps heat loss; they lack insulation; and lack the body mass to produce and save heat. They are also dependent on caregivers to keep them warm and dry. Care of the newborn at childbirth includes keeping it warm by drying immediately after birth and delaying a bath until the temperature is stabilized.
Slide 13
Remember that every newborn should be considered at risk for needing resuscitation (i.e., the attendant should be prepared at every childbirth). Certain conditions may increase the likelihood that resuscitation will be necessary. For example, if there is evidence of fetal distress during the labor or childbirth, thick meconium, breech delivery or a preterm
birth.
Slide 15
There are several options for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum. Ideally, the medicine would be effective against N. gonorrhea and C. trachomatis.
Slide 16
Several studies have been done comparing the effectiveness of different regimens. In China, Chen et al rotated tetracycline, erythromycin and silver nitrate to be used on the labor ward.
Slide 17
Bell compared erythromycin and silver nitrate.
Slide 18
Bell found that silver nitrate was effective, but erythromycin did not significantly reduce conjunctivitis.
Chemical conjunctivitis from silver nitrate is not dangerous and usually resolves within 48 hours.
Conclusion: Parents should choose whether prophylaxis is used (and may not use it if that have been screened for STDs) and which regimen is used.
Slide 19
Isenberg also compared the effectiveness of using a povidone-iodine solution, compared with silver nitrate and erythromycin, and found it to be more effective than either.
Slide 20
Povidone-iodine may be a good alternative because it is effective and inexpensive.
