A midwife program of newborn resuscitation

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Medical education
• Obstetrics

Background:

• A small proportion of newborns require respiratory support at birth.
• Midwives in a small hospital reported a lack of confidence and skills in newborn resuscitation.
• Paediatrician availability was inconsistent, posing a risk to neonatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the identified gap in neonatal resuscitation skills among midwives.
• To enhance the quality of care for newborns requiring assistance at birth.
• To support the continuation of local birthing options for mothers.

Main Methods:

• A stakeholder group was convened to discuss the challenges.
• A targeted training program was developed and implemented for midwives.
• The program focused on improving skills, confidence, and support for resuscitation.

Main Results:

• The training program successfully improved midwives' resuscitation skills.
• Midwives reported increased confidence in their ability to manage neonatal emergencies.
• The program fostered a greater sense of support among the midwifery staff.

Conclusions:

• Effective training can empower midwives to perform neonatal resuscitation competently.
• Improving local neonatal care supports maternal choice for birthing close to home.
• Addressing skill deficits is crucial for ensuring optimal infant outcomes in small hospitals.