MW 2105: Normal Newborn care

Course description

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and practices in caring for the normal newborn during the immediate, early, and late neonatal periods. Emphasis is placed on the physiological adaptation of the newborn to extrauterine life, essential newborn care procedures, assessment skills, breastfeeding support, infection prevention, and family education. Students will gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills to provide safe, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive newborn care within community and clinical settings.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the physiological changes and adaptation of the newborn after birth.
2. Demonstrate skills in performing comprehensive newborn assessments (Apgar scoring, anthropometric measurements, vital signs, reflexes, etc.).
3. Provide essential newborn care including cord care, thermoregulation, eye care, and immunization.
4. Support and promote exclusive breastfeeding and counsel mothers/families on newborn nutrition.
5. Identify common newborn needs and provide preventive interventions for maintaining health.
6. Educate families on safe newborn care practices, bonding, and early stimulation.
7. Apply infection prevention and safety principles in newborn care.
8. Recognize warning signs that require referral to higher-level care.

Required Materials

1.     Textbooks/References: WHO. Essential Newborn Care Course (ENCC). World Health Organization. Pillitteri, A. Maternal and Child Health Nursing: Care of the Childbearing & Childrearing Family.

2.     Skills lab

3.     Assessment tools

Lecture & Study Materials