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

When a newborn is not breathing after birth, immediate action is necessary to ensure the infant can begin to take in air and establish effective respiration. Providing rescue breaths and stimulating the newborn is vital because newborns may need help to initiate breathing, particularly if they are lethargic or unresponsive at birth.

Rescue breaths involve administering gentle breaths to the newborn, which can help clear fluids from the airway and prompt spontaneous breathing. Stimulation, such as gently rubbing the baby’s back or tapping the soles of the feet, can also encourage the baby to start breathing on their own. This combined approach is part of the resuscitation protocol for newborns who exhibit signs of respiratory distress.

Waiting to see if the newborn breathes on their own is not appropriate, as any delay in initiating care could lead to significant complications, including hypoxia. Similarly, calling a doctor immediately without providing initial resuscitative efforts may waste precious time, as immediate intervention is typically preferred. Monitoring for signs of movement or respiratory effort alone, without taking active steps, also puts the newborn at risk.

Therefore, taking proactive measures by providing rescue breaths and stimulating the newborn is the correct course of action in this critical situation.