Managing Newborn Problems

Book excerpt: Every year throughout the world, about four million babies die before they reach one month old, most during the critical first week of life. Most of these deaths are a result of the poor health and nutritional status of the mother, combined with problems such as tetanus or asphyxia, trauma, low birth weight, or preterm birth. However, many of the conditions which result in perinatal death are preventable or treatable without the need for expensive technology. Against this background, this publication contains guidance on evidence-based standards for high quality care provision during the newborn period, considering the needs of mother and baby. It has been produced to assist countries with limited resources to reduce neonatal mortality. The information is arranged under four main headings: clinical assessment, findings and management; principles of newborn baby care; procedures; record keeping and essential equipment, supplies and drugs.