Explain various methods of maintaining body temperature of newborn baby. Name the method you are following at your work place.
Explain various methods of maintaining body temperature of newborn baby. Name the method you are following at your work place.
Share
Maintaining a stable body temperature is crucial for the well-being and survival of newborn babies, especially premature or low birth weight infants who are at higher risk of hypothermia. Various methods can be used to help regulate the body temperature of newborns:
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC): KMC involves skin-to-skin contact between the newborn and the mother or caregiver, typically with the baby placed on the mother's chest. This method helps regulate the baby's body temperature by utilizing the mother's body heat and promoting bonding and breastfeeding.
Radiant Warmers: Radiant warmers are devices that emit heat to warm the baby's body. These warmers are commonly used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and delivery rooms to provide a controlled environment for newborns, especially those born prematurely or with respiratory distress.
Incubators: Incubators are enclosed, temperature-controlled units that provide a warm and stable environment for newborns, particularly those who are critically ill or premature. Incubators can regulate humidity and oxygen levels in addition to temperature.
Warmed Blankets and Clothing: Wrapping newborns in warmed blankets or clothing can help maintain their body temperature, especially during skin-to-skin care or transportation between care areas.
Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula (HHHFNC): This method delivers warmed and humidified oxygen to newborns through nasal prongs, providing respiratory support while also helping to maintain body temperature.
Warm Intravenous Fluids: In cases where intravenous fluids are administered to newborns, warming the fluids to body temperature before infusion can help prevent hypothermia.
At my workplace, we primarily use a combination of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and radiant warmers to maintain the body temperature of newborn babies. KMC is encouraged for stable newborns, especially during the immediate postnatal period and for promoting breastfeeding and bonding. Radiant warmers are utilized when additional warmth and monitoring are required, such as in the NICU or for babies with respiratory distress. These methods, along with vigilant monitoring and assessment, help ensure that newborns maintain optimal body temperature and thrive in the early days of life.