11.7 Examination of the new-born: preparing parents #midwiferyhour

In this hour, our guest, Stephanie Michaelides highlights the key aspects for midwives of supporting the examination of the newborn. A confident and competent physical examination of a newborn infant helps establish the midwife’s relationship with the mother and relevant others which will go on to enhance the baby’s wellbeing and empower the mother to give the best care to her baby. This will be especially important for a first baby when the mother may be in unfamiliar territory. Happily most newborn babies are healthy and well and we can give that information to the mother. But things can change very quickly, or problems may emerge which were not immediately obvious. By continuing to monitor the baby, we will be able to identify deviations from normal so that we can intervene and minimise morbidity and mortality. Supporting and educating the woman begins at her first booking visit and continues throughout her antenatal, intrapartum and post natal care until the woman and her baby are discharged to the GP’s care. Hosted by: Sue Macdonald, Midwifery Expert, Mayes Midwifery Contribution from: Stephanie Michaelides, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Neonatal Care, Middlesex University Supported by MATFLIX: ⁠⁠⁠https://matflix.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ Register to watch the next episode LIVE or attend a Maternity & Midwifery Festival: ⁠⁠⁠https://mmf.eventbrite.com⁠⁠⁠ Watch the live stream: ⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/midwiferyforum/live