Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...

Checklist to prepare for the care of the baby at birth
Display the checklist of all required items on the wall near the table at eye level, framed with a
glass cover or within a display or notice board to protect the paper. More details related to the
equipment for resuscitation are noted in chapter 8 on resuscitation for birth asphyxia. The
checklist should contain the following items:
• A warm room with no drafts or open windows.
• A table with a firm mattress covered with a washable surface such as a plastic or rubber
sheet. Over this a clean, preferably sterile cloth/linen should be placed just before
delivery. The clean/sterile equipment and supplies can be placed on it, leaving enough
room for special care for the baby, such as resuscitation.
• A source of heat. Ideally this should be an overhead heater (the heat source being a
heating rod or a set of bulbs). A hot water bottle is not recommended as it may result in
burns. If its use is unavoidable, make sure that the water is warm, not hot, and the bottle
is wrapped in several layers of cloth. In addition, for extra safety check the skin of the
baby in contact with the bottle frequently for excessive heat or redness.
• Three to five pieces of clean, preferably sterile cloths to dry and wrap the baby (cap
where available) and blanket where required.
• A wall thermometer to monitor the room temperature.
• A clinical thermometer to measure the axillary temperature.
• Suction equipment (for details see chapter 8 on resuscitation):
o De Lee mucous extractor or
o Suction machine (electrical/foot operated) with simple suction catheters 8F and 10F.
In the absence of a suction machine, a 10 mL syringe attached to the catheter can
be used to remove the secretions.
o If a rubber bulb is used for suction, it should be sterilized. It is not recommended to
use the same bulb for multiple infants due to the risk of the transmitting major
infections.
• Newborn resuscitator bag (240-500 mL) with two baby face masks (#1 for normal size
babies, # 0 for LBW babies). In general, where resources are limited, the 500 mL bag is
preferable as it can be used for the normal weight and the larger proportion of low birth
weight infants.
• A supplemental oxygen source, if available. If cylinders are used, check that they have
adequate oxygen. Note, however, that supplemental oxygen is not required for
resuscitation in most cases.
• A wall clock with second hand for noting the time of birth and where necessary to count
the respiratory and heart rate if there is no timer or watch. In case of an emergency
situation such as asphyxia, it is easy to lose track of time. It is important to note the time
of birth and the time spent in the procedure, since there is a time limit to active
resuscitation. If no respiration is noted after twenty minutes, it is necessary to stop all
action.
• A stethoscope where available.
• Miscellaneous: sterile gauze/pieces of sterile cloth and gloves, either sterile or high-level
disinfected.
All equipment has to be disinfected and cleaned after use. The manufacturer gives specific
instructions for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of equipment. Follow these instructions
carefully.
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Integrated maternal and newborn care
Basic skills course