Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...

Evaluate feeding
This can be done at any convenient time as noted above, especially after excluding danger
signs, such as the inability to suck, that need immediate attention. If the baby can suck well,
evaluate the latching or attachment of the baby’s mouth at the breast. Note that:
• The baby’s chin is touching or nearly touching the breast.
• The mouth is wide open.
• The lower lip is everted.
• Most of the areola is inside the mouth, especially the part below, so that the areola is
visible more above the mouth than below.
• The sucking is slow and deep and swallowing is audible.
Weigh the baby
• Place a clean cloth or paper on the baby scale pan.
• Adjust the scale so it reads “zero” with the paper/cloth on it.
• Place the baby over the cloth or paper. If it is a cloth and of adequate size, fold it to
cover the body of the baby.
• Note the weight when the baby and pan are not moving.
• Never leave the baby unattended on the scale.
• Write down the weight of the baby in the mother/baby and delivery room records, based
on recommendations of the Ministry of Health.
• The normal weight range is 2.5-4 kg. Low birth weight is below 2500 grams.
Document key findings
Record all key observations in writing in the baby’s health cards and chart/delivery register.
Counsel the mother/family
Advise the mother on the following:
• frequent breastfeeding on demand day and night
• keeping the baby appropriately warm
• cord care
• general cleanliness, including washing hands before handling the baby at least after
using the toilet, after changing the napkin/diaper, and after cleaning the house
• having additional fluids and eating an extra meal
• the danger signs to look for in herself and in the baby
The key elements of the basic systematic examination of the newborn at peripheral centers are
summarized in Table 11.
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Integrated maternal and newborn care
Basic skills course