Name of the Procedure:

Attendance at Delivery and Initial Stabilization of Newborn

• Common Name: Newborn Stabilization
• Medical Term: Neonatal Resuscitation

Summary

Attendance at delivery and initial stabilization of the newborn involves a healthcare professional being present during childbirth to provide immediate care and medical support to the newborn if needed. This procedure ensures the baby’s vital signs are stable right after birth.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Immediate postnatal care is critical for infants, especially those at risk of complications.
• Goals: To ensure the newborn has a stable heart rate, breathing pattern, and overall health status right after delivery.

Indications

• Difficult or high-risk deliveries
• Premature births
• Infants exhibiting signs of distress
• Prolonged labor
• Known congenital abnormalities

Preparation

• No specific preparation for the patient.
• Healthcare professionals prepare by ensuring all necessary neonatal resuscitation equipment and medications are ready and functioning.
• Review of the mother’s medical history and pregnancy complications.

Procedure Description

1. Assessment: Immediate assessment of the newborn’s heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, and color.
2. Initial Steps: Drying and warming the baby, clearing the airway if necessary, and providing gentle stimulation.
3. Interventions: If needed, providing positive pressure ventilation, chest compressions, or medications.
   • Tools and Equipment: Towel, suction device, oxygen mask, ambu bag, medications.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required for the newborn.

Duration

• Usually less than 30 minutes, depending on the baby's condition.

Setting

• Typically performed in the delivery room within a hospital.

Personnel

• Neonatologist or pediatrician
• Labor and delivery nurse
• Respiratory therapist (if necessary)

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minimal; includes potential for unintended minor injuries during handling.
• Rare Risks: Respiratory issues, infection, long-term neurological complications if the newborn is not stabilized promptly.
• Management: Continuous monitoring and immediate medical intervention for any arising complications.

Benefits

• Immediate detection and management of any health issues in the newborn.
• Increased chances of survival and reduced risk of long-term complications.

Recovery

• Newborns are typically monitored closely in the nursery or NICU.
• Follow-up assessments at regular intervals.
• Parents may be advised on specific care instructions based on the newborn’s initial health.

Alternatives

• No direct alternatives; immediate newborn care is crucial for all deliveries.
• Postnatal monitoring in the absence of any evident need for resuscitation, but with readiness for immediate intervention.

Patient Experience

• The newborn might cry and show initial signs of distress, but these measures are crucial for stabilization.
• Healthcare providers will ensure warmth and comfort, minimizing discomfort.
• Parents can usually hold and bond with their baby soon after the procedure if the baby is stable.

This markdown description provides a comprehensive overview of the procedure "Attendance at delivery (when requested by delivering physician) and initial stabilization of newborn," covering all key aspects and ensuring readability and clarity for patients and healthcare professionals alike.