What should be done if a newborn is not breathing at birth?

In the scenario where a newborn is not breathing at birth, providing positive pressure ventilation immediately is the most critical and appropriate action. This intervention is vital because a newborn relies on effective breathing to oxygenate their blood and support vital organ function. The immediate goal is to establish adequate ventilation to ensure oxygen delivery and prevent hypoxia.

Positive pressure ventilation helps inflate the lungs and can stimulate breathing reflexes in the newborn, which is essential for their transition to life outside the womb. This technique can be performed using a bag-mask ventilation device, and it is important to deliver gentle breaths to avoid causing trauma to the delicate lung tissue.

While placing the baby in a warm environment is important for maintaining body temperature due to the infant’s susceptibility to hypothermia, it does not address the critical need for ventilation if the newborn is not breathing. Encouraging the baby to cry loudly is not a practical method for stimulating breathing; while crying signifies normal respiratory function, it cannot be relied upon as a method to initiate breathing in an asphyxiated infant. Assessing the baby's heart rate and monitoring are important steps but should follow the immediate intervention of ventilation if there is no spontaneous breathing. Therefore, prioritizing positive pressure ventilation is essential for ensuring the newborn's survival and health at