Roles and Responsibilities of Nurse Midwife in Newborn Care
Who is Newborn Baby or Neonate?
A newborn infant, or neonate, is a child under 28 days of age. During these first 28 days of life, the child is at highest risk of dying. Newborn define as a product of conception with signs of life, between birth and 28 days of age.
First four weeks of life after birth are described as newborn period. Proper care of the newborn babies forms the foundation for the subsequent life not only in terms of longevity or survival but also in terms of qualitative outcome without any mental and physical disabilities.
Roles of Nurse or Midwife in Normal Newborn or Neonate Care:
The nurse or midwife plays an important role in caring for the normal neonate from the time of its birth to discharge. Her role would include-
- Providing initial steps at birth,
- Eye and cord care,
- Weighing the baby,
- Early initiation of breastfeeding,
- Recognizing normal physiological problems and illness,
- Administer appropriate medications,
- Monitor vital signs,
You can read: Physical Examination or Assessment of Unwell Newborn or Neonate
- Provide life-sustaining nutrients to the baby,
- Monitor the infant’s breathing,
- Monitor appropriate lung development,
- Assist in treatment plans and examinations,
- Maintain and update records of patient’s care,
- Educate parents on necessary at-home procedures,
- Counseling mother regarding breastfeeding and follow-up care of the neonate.
Goals of Neonatal Care or Goals of Newborn Nursing Care:
1. To continue appraisal of the newborn throughout his hospital stay.
- Observe and record the infant’s vital signs.
- Monitor weight loss or gain (daily by some local policy).
- Monitor bowel and bladder function.
- Monitor activity and sleep patterns.
- Monitor interactions and bonding with parents.
2. To provide safeguards against infection (that is, hand washing).
3. To initiate feedings.
4. To provide guidance and health instruction to parents.
5. The major goal of nursing care of the newborn infant is to establish & maintains homeostasis, i.e. stability in normal physiological status.
6. Majority of the complication of normal neonates may occur during first 24 hours or within 7 days. So, continuous care to be provided immediately following birth, in the transition period & during the neonatal period. This care is performed involving mother & family members in the maternity unit of hospital or health centers & in the home, afterwards.
More questions related to this article:
- What is newborn baby?
- Define newborn.
- Who is a neonate baby?
- What are the roles of a nurse midwife in care of a normal newborn?
- Discuss the roles and responsibilities of a nurse in care of a normal newborn.
- What are the roles and responsibilities of nurse in newborn baby care?
- What are the duties and responsibilities of nurse in neonate care?
- What are the roles and responsibilities of midwife in newborn baby care?
- What are the duties and responsibilities of midwife in neonate care?
- List some goals of newborn nursing care.
- Mention the goals of newborn nursing care.
- Mention the goals of newborn nursing care.
