The importance of immediate action in the first 60 seconds after birth for newborn babies who struggle to breathe cannot be overstated, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
The study, which was published in SAGE Open Nursing, involved the observation of deliveries of 254 newborns in five hospitals between April and June 2022. It was found that almost half of the newborns (48.8%) required assistance to breathe, with midwives performing resuscitation in nearly all cases (98.4%).
The primary resuscitation techniques used included drying, warming, back rubbing, and gently flicking the baby’s feet. Additionally, approximately 46% of the newborns who needed resuscitation also received bag-and-mask ventilation. While basic methods like drying and warming were highly effective within the first minute after birth, their impact diminished by the fifth minute. Interestingly, foot flicking was found to have little benefit.
Lead researcher Dr. (Mrs.) Lydia Boampong Owusu emphasized the critical importance of acting swiftly, stating, “Every second counts. Quick, basic actions such as ensuring the baby is warm and gently stimulating them can be life-saving if implemented immediately after birth.” She also stressed the essential role of midwives in these critical moments and highlighted the necessity of regular hands-on training to maintain their confidence and competence.
The study rated resuscitation efforts as impressive in 58% of cases, satisfactory in 39%, and poor in only 3%. Dr. (Mrs.) Owusu further advocated for more research into technological advancements that could aid in the resuscitation of newborns, particularly in low-resource settings. She noted, “Technology has the potential to fill gaps and enhance newborn care.”
In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the significance of prompt and effective action in assisting newborns who struggle to breathe, with a particular emphasis on the crucial role of midwives in delivering life-saving interventions. Further research and advancements in technology are also recommended to enhance newborn care practices and outcomes.
