Introduction to Newborn Life Support

As the fetus takes the passage through the birth canal, placental respiratory exchange can be prevented for approximately 50-75 seconds during each contraction.

Generally, newborns are able to tolerate this hypoxic event and can make the transition from fetus to newborn in a smooth and organised manner where the newborn will be breathing normally within 1 minute; however there are times when further support is required to facilitate this transition.

Up to 85% of babies will cry or breathe within 90 seconds of birth and a further 10% will respond following drying, stimulation and opening the airways.

Fewer that 0.3% of newborns require chest compressions and only 0.05% of these babies will proceed to adrenaline administration.

In order to appreciate the rationale for the Newborn Life Support Guidelines provided by the Resuscitation Council [UK] (2021) and the JRCALC further understanding around the physiological processes is required.