Pediatr. praxi. 2021;22(3):237-239 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2021.049

Prevention of sudden unexpected postnatal collapse

Mgr. Jaroslava Fendrychová, Ph.D.

Katedra anesteziologie, resuscitace, intenzivní a perioperační péče, Národní centrum ošetřovatelství a nelékařských zdravotnických oborů, Brno

The article presents the sudden unexpected postnatal collapse of an otherwise healthy newborn as a relatively new diagnosis related to the so-called bonding which is based on skin to skin contact of the mother and the baby immediately after the birth. Though bonding contributes to the development of mutual emotional relationship between mother and infant, to the adaptation of the newborn to extrauterine life and early start of breastfeeding, the position on the belly which is used in this situation increases the risk of sudden unexpected collapse due to possible occlusion of the airways which can go unnoticed by the mother if she is not instructed by the professional health care personnel sufficiently well. The instruction lies in identification of the risk factors of sudden collapse and in provision of mutual support between the mother and family members in case the mother is sleepy or is not able to care for the newborn herself.

Keywords: sudden unexpected postnatal collapse, newborn, prevention, skin to skin contact, bonding.

Published: October 14, 2021  Show citation