b. Maintaining Body Temperature.
(1) Dry the infant thoroughly immediately after delivery. The infant is
extremely vulnerable to heat loss because his body surface area is great in relation to
his weight and he has relatively little subcutaneous weight. Heat loss after delivery is
increased by the cool delivery room and the infant's wet skin.
(2)
Place the infant in a radiant heat warmer.
(3)
Place a stockinette cap on the infant's head to prevent heat loss through
the head.
(4)
Wrap the infant snugly in a warm blanket.
(5) Place the infant closely to the mother's skin. Skin-to-skin contact with
the mother will help prevent heat loss.
c. Identify the Infant After Delivery.
(1) The infant must be properly identified before leaving the delivery room.
An identification (ID) band is placed on the infant's wrist and leg. An identical band
matching the infant's band is placed on the mother's wrist.
(2) The infant's footprints or palm prints placed next to the mother's thumb
print is rarely done in most facilities. Each facility has its own instant identification
method.
d. Establish Parent-Infant Bonding Process.
(1) Parent-infant bonding is the initial step in the process of attraction and
response between the newborn and the parents. This paves the way for development
of love and affiliation that forms a strong family unit.
(2) This process should begin as soon after delivery as possible. In the
delivery room as soon as the infant is dry and identified, he should be given to the
parents. The infant is more alert during the first hours (approximately four) after birth
than in the immediate subsequent hours.
8-3.
VIRGINIA APGAR SCORING OF THE NEWBORN
The initial APGAR scoring is performed in the delivery room by the physician.
APGAR scoring is a method of evaluating the condition of the newborn at one minute
and at five minutes after delivery. See figure 8-4 for an APGAR scoring chart.
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