Once the infant's head has been delivered, what should be done first?

When an infant's head has been delivered, the first priority is to clear the airways to ensure that the baby can breathe effectively. Suctioning the mouth first, followed by the nose, is the standard procedure because clearing the mouth helps remove any potential obstructions, such as mucus or amniotic fluid, that could interfere with breathing when the baby takes its first breaths.

If the mouth is suctioned first, it prepares the infant to breathe when the rest of the body is delivered. After the mouth is clear, suctioning the nose helps maintain a clear airway, ensuring that the infant is less likely to experience respiratory distress.

This approach helps facilitate the transition from fetus to neonate, where the infant must immediately start breathing air and transitioning to extrauterine life. Maintaining a clear airway is crucial for ensuring the infant's health and well-being as soon as they are born.