EINC tutorial video

Summary

This instructional video presents a step-by-step protocol for essential newborn care, emphasizing evidence-based practices to reduce infant mortality. It covers preparation, proper hygiene, and double gloving, followed by immediate drying, rapid breathing assessment, and early skin-to-skin contact. The video highlights the correct timing for cord clamping, administration of oxytocin to the mother, and promoting early breastfeeding. Additional guidance includes eye care, vaccinations, and rooming-in practices. By focusing on these crucial first moments of life, the protocol aims to improve newborn survival, support maternal recovery, and foster successful breastfeeding while protecting infants from hypothermia, anemia, and infection.

Takeaways

• 😀 Essential newborn care can significantly reduce newborn mortality, especially in the first few minutes and hours of life.
• 😀 Preparation for delivery involves proper handwashing and using double gloves for both obstetrician and pediatrician.
• 😀 Immediate and thorough drying of the newborn for at least 30 seconds stimulates breathing and preserves natural protective coatings.
• 😀 Do not wash the baby within the first six hours to prevent hypothermia and infection.
• 😀 Initiate skin-to-skin contact immediately by placing the newborn on the mother’s abdomen or chest to promote bonding and warmth.
• 😀 Place a bonnet on the baby’s head and cover the back with a second linen to maintain body temperature.
• 😀 Delay cord cutting until pulsations stop, and properly clamp and cut the cord to prevent anemia and protect against complications.
• 😀 Administer 10 units of oxytocin to the mother to prevent uterine atony while maintaining skin-to-skin contact.
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• 😀 Encourage early breastfeeding within the first hour to support nutrition, bonding, and protection against hypoglycemia.
• 😀 Perform eye care, immunizations, and other essential procedures while keeping the baby with the mother.
• 😀 Rooming-in and non-separation promote successful breastfeeding and allow the mother to monitor the newborn closely.
• 😀 Washing the newborn can be done after six hours, but early care prioritizes warmth, bonding, and protection from infection.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the Essential Newborn Care protocol discussed in the video?

The main objective is to ensure the survival and health of newborns by following evidence-based, step-by-step procedures immediately after birth, reducing newborn mortality and fulfilling child health goals.

Why is the first few seconds and minutes after birth critical for newborns?

These moments are critical because 70% of newborn deaths occur during labor, delivery, or immediately postpartum. Proper care in these first moments increases the newborn's chance of survival and long-term health.

What is the recommended procedure for drying the newborn after birth?

The newborn should be dried using the first linen towel for at least 30 seconds to stimulate breathing, without wiping off the vernix, which protects against infection and helps maintain warmth.

Why should the newborn not be washed within the first six hours?

Washing the newborn too early can lead to hypothermia and increase the risk of infection. Delaying washing allows the vernix to provide natural protection.

What is the importance of skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?

Skin-to-skin contact stabilizes the baby's body temperature, promotes bonding, enhances successful breastfeeding, encourages colonization of protective microbes, and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia.

When should the umbilical cord be clamped and cut?

The cord should be clamped after pulsations stop, usually between 1 to 3 minutes, to help prevent anemia in the newborn and protect against intraventricular hemorrhage.

What maternal interventions are recommended immediately after birth?

Administer 10 units of oxytocin to prevent uterine atony, monitor bleeding, deliver the placenta, repair any perineal tears, and ensure the mother is comfortable while maintaining skin-to-skin contact with the newborn.

What procedures are carried out on the newborn after the first breastfeeding?

After the first breastfeeding, the baby should receive eye care and vaccinations while remaining with the mother to maintain bonding and warmth.

What are the seven steps of essential newborn care summarized in the video?

1) Immediate and thorough drying, 2) Early skin-to-skin contact, 3) Properly timed cord clamping, 4) Non-separation for early breastfeeding, 5) Eye care and immunizations, 6) Rooming-in with the mother, 7) Washing the baby after six hours.

Why is double gloving recommended during newborn care?

Double gloving protects both the healthcare providers and the newborn from infection during delivery and immediate postnatal handling.