What is the immediate care provided to a newborn after birth?

The immediate care provided to a newborn after birth is focused primarily on ensuring that the infant's airway is clear and that they are breathing effectively. This involves assessing the newborn's airway, breathing, and circulation to quickly identify any immediate needs or potential complications that require intervention.

The newborn's transition from the intrauterine environment to the external world can present various challenges, such as potential respiratory distress. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the infant's airway is patent, that they are breathing adequately, and that circulation is sufficient to promote oxygen delivery throughout the body. This assessment is a foundational step in neonatal care because it sets the stage for the infant's overall health and well-being.

While other aspects of newborn care, such as skin-to-skin contact with the mother and notification of pediatric services, are important, they usually follow the initial assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation. Initial immunizations are typically not administered immediately after birth in standard practice; they are usually given during the first few hours of life or in subsequent visits. The priority at this stage is to ensure the newborn is stable and responding well to their new environment.