The Term Newborn: Alternative Birth Practices, Refusal, and Therapeutic Hesitancy

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Standardized newborn care in the US includes evidence-based interventions and screenings.
• Refusals of routine newborn care are infrequent but present clinical challenges.
• Understanding the reasons behind these refusals is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the spectrum of parental refusals regarding routine newborn care.
• To provide clinicians with awareness and approaches for managing these situations.
• To support informed decision-making in neonatal care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on newborn care refusal.
• Analysis of common refusal components and underlying reasons.
• Development of suggested clinical approaches.

Main Results:

• Identified a spectrum of refusals for routine newborn interventions and screenings.
• Highlighted the importance of clinician awareness regarding specific refusals and their motivations.
• Outlined strategies for clinicians to address and navigate these refusals.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians need to be prepared to address uncommon refusals of standard newborn care.
• Understanding the 'why' behind refusals is key to providing appropriate care.
• Proactive awareness and communication strategies can improve management of newborn care refusals.