Explain various methods of maintaining body temperature of newborn baby. Name the method you are following at your work place.

Maintaining body temperature in newborn babies, especially those born prematurely or with low birth weight, is crucial for their health and well-being. Various methods are employed to prevent heat loss and promote thermoregulation:

1. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC): KMC involves skin-to-skin contact between the newborn and the mother or caregiver, with the baby positioned against the mother's chest. This method helps regulate the baby's temperature by utilizing the mother's body heat and promoting bonding and breastfeeding.

2. Radiant Warmers: Radiant warmers are heat sources used in neonatal care units to provide a controlled environment for newborns. They emit radiant heat from above, helping to maintain the baby's temperature within a stable range. Radiant warmers are often used for preterm or low-birth-weight infants who have difficulty regulating their body temperature.

3. Incubators: Incubators are enclosed, temperature-controlled units that provide a warm and protective environment for newborns. They are equipped with sensors to monitor and maintain the baby's temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels. Incubators are commonly used for infants who require intensive care or are at risk of hypothermia.

4. Warmth Maintenance Techniques: These techniques involve wrapping the newborn in layers of clothing, blankets, or thermal wraps to prevent heat loss through convection, conduction, and evaporation. Caregivers also ensure that the delivery room and neonatal care environment are warm and draft-free.

5. Heated Mattresses or Water Beds: These specialized surfaces provide warmth from below, helping to maintain the baby's body temperature. They are often used in conjunction with other warming methods to optimize thermoregulation.

At my workplace, we primarily utilize Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) as a method of maintaining body temperature in newborn babies, particularly for stable infants who do not require intensive care. KMC promotes maternal-infant bonding, supports breastfeeding, and facilitates thermal regulation, making it an effective and family-centered approach to newborn care. Additionally, we have radiant warmers and incubators available for infants who require more intensive temperature control or monitoring.