Management of the Newborn

Definition:
Newborn: a baby from birth through the 28th day of life (neonate)

Care of the Newborn Within the 1st Hour of Birth:
Quarter hourly observations of the baby should be done on the following:

• Activity
• Colour
• Respirations
• Cord
• Temperature
• Breast feeding
• Documentation

Care of the Newborn 2 Hours After Birth:
At the end of two hours before the mother is sent to the postnatal ward, initial head to toe examination of the baby is done to determine birth weight and exclude life threatening congenital abnormalities and birth injuries. Activities should include: a complete physical examination, provision of care, documentation and discharge if according to criteria. While subsequent care of teh newborn up to 1 week fter birth should inlcude; history taking, a complete physical assessment, management according to findings and protocol and documentation.