This work provides a practical step-by-step guide for midwives and other practitioners concerned with neonatal examination of the newbrn infant. It encourages the reader to view each mother and baby as unique, taking into account their experiences preconceptually, antenatally and through childbirth. The text covers: normal foetal development; parent's concerns and how to respond to them; the events of labour and delivery; the clinical examination of the neonate; the identification and management of cognital abnormalities; and accountability and legal issues. The text is designed so that each chapter can be read independently and contains useful summaries, scenarios and appendices.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1.In the Beginning 2.Fetal Development: Influential factors 3.Assessment of Fetal Well-being in the Antenatal Period 4.Risks to the Fetus During Childbirth 5. Neonatal Examination 6.Abnormal Findings and Congenital Abnormalities 7.Accountability and Effective Care Appendix 1.Safe Sleeping Environment for Baby Appendix 2.Useful Addresses