Essential Elements of Newborn Care Save the Children trained mid-wife Tran Thi Quyen holds one-day-old Khong Thi Be at the Quange Tri General Hospital in Vietnam. Save the Children has developed a package of health care interventions in four categories that can have a significant impact on newborn and maternal mortality. Care During Pregnancy Maternal immunization for tetanus; Nutritional support (including iron and folate supplementation); Birth planning; including transportation; Counseling on breastfeeding; Recognition of danger signs and treatment or referral as needed. Where appropriate— Presumptive malaria treatment; Syphilis screening and treatment; Voluntary counseling and testing for HIV. Care During Childbirth Skilled birth attendants or other trained health workers at delivery,; Clean delivery: hand-washing, clean space, clean cord care; Recognition of danger signs (for mother and baby) and treatment or referral as needed. Immediate Care for the Baby Immediate and exclusive breastfeeding; Drying, wrapping, and warming the baby; Keeping mother and baby together; Prophylactic eye care where appropriate; Treatment for asphyxia and resuscitation if needed. Continued and Routine Visits with a Trained Health Care Provider Early postnatal visits; Continued exclusive breastfeeding, cord care, and thermal control; Recognition of danger signs (e.g., fever) for both mother and baby, with treatment or referral as needed; Immunization. Read more…