Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth: - IAWG

Immediate newborn conditions or problemsS-143• Clear the airway by suctioning first the mouth and then thenostrils. If blood or meconium is in the baby’s mouth or nose,suction immediately to prevent aspiration.Note: Do not suction deep in the throat as this may cause thebaby’s heart to slow or the baby may stop breathing.• Reassess the baby:- If the newborn starts crying or breathing, no furtherimmediate action is needed. Proceed with initial care of thenewborn (page C-76);- If the baby is still not breathing, start ventilating (see below).VENTILATING THE NEWBORN• Recheck the newborn’s position. The neck should be slightlyextended (Fig S-2, page S-142).• Position the mask and check the seal (Fig S-29):- Place the mask on the newborn’s face. It should cover thechin, mouth and nose;- Form a seal between the mask and the face;- Sq ueeze the bagwith two fingersonly or with thewhole hand,depending onthe size of thebag;- Ch eck the seal byventilating twiceand observingthe rise of thechest.FIGURE S-29tion with bagVentilaand mask