8-2.
CARE OF THE NEWBORN IN THE DELIVERY ROOM
There are several needs of a newborn infant that require close attention.
Establishing and maintaining respirations are the two needs that must be met
immediately.
a. Establishing and Maintaining the Newborn's Airway. The physician
suctions the infant before it is completely born with a bulb syringe or a DeLee trap. A
DeLee trap is used if meconium was present in the amniotic fluid. The infant's mouth is
suctioned first and then his nose. Once the infant is delivered, his head is held slightly
downward to promote drainage of mucus and fluid. The infant's face is wiped
thoroughly clean. If the infant doesn't breathe spontaneously, he should be stimulated
to cry by slapping his heels, lightly tapping the buttocks, and/or rubbing his back gently.
The infant is then positioned with his head slightly down when placed in the radiant
warmer. The bulb syringe is used to remove mucus from his mouth and nose (see
figure 8-2).
Figure 8-2. Removing mucus from infant's nose.
MD0922
8-4