Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...

Reference Manual
Table 14. Summary of Postnatal Evaluation and Care of the Baby
1. Implement tasks at the appropriate time. After birth, evaluate and provide care:
• before transfer out of the delivery room.
• at least once a day during the stay of the baby at the facility (more frequently for
low birth weight babies and if a problem needing observation was noted).
• at discharge.
• during postnatal visits.
2. Carry out a basic systematic examination of the baby (see session 9 for details).
3. Provide appropriate care:
• If a danger sign exists (even if only one), give the first dose of antibiotics and
refer the baby.
• Administer/prescribe treatment for minor infections.
• Give immunizations: OPV, BCG, hepatitis B (based on recommendations of the
Ministry of Health) if this was not already done.
4. Document findings/care in mother/baby card/register.
5. Promote continued follow-up and schedule the next appointment.
6. Counsel the mother/family on basic preventive care at home, identifying danger signs
and appropriate care seeking.
7. Where the mother is HIV-positive, ensure appropriate care for the mother and baby.
8. Where feasible and appropriate, put the family in contact with an available trained
community health worker.
Integrated maternal and newborn care
Basic skills course
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