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If your baby is not breathing
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Pick your baby up, as if to ‘wind’ him, and stimulate him by 'patting' his back.
If he starts to breathe, any immediate danger is over.
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If your baby does not breathe you will need to start resuscitation
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Clear the airway
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If you think there may be an object or vomit in his mouth, wipe the mouth and clear it out with your little finger.
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Start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
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| Place him on his back on a firm surface.
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| | Tilt his head back a little.
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| | Place your lips around the nose and mouth and breathe into him so the chest moves.
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| | Give one breath every 2 seconds.
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| | | | Stop and observe. If baby is now breathing, stop mouth to mouth and call for help.
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| | If the baby does not start breathing, you should start cardiac massage.
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Cardiac massage
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| Use your index and middle finger to depress the centre of the breast bone (sternum) quite hard; move it down about one third of the depth of the chest.
|  |
| | Do 30 compressions then 2 breaths and repeat this cycle at least 4 times.
| 30 compressions - 2 breaths - repeat 4 times
Keep going until baby starts breathing or until help arrives.
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Important points to remember
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- Never shake your baby. This may cause brain damage.
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- Do not call for help first if you are alone. This wastes time.
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- The best chance of success is by starting yourself as quickly as you can.
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- If you are on your own, do resuscitation for about 2 minutes and then call for help. Ring 000 for ambulance and advice then continue resuscitation until help arrives.
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- If a second person is present, get that person to call for help fast.
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- Do not drive yourself to your nearest hospital or doctor. Wait for the ambulance to arrive.
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For more information
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Your baby’s doctor, nurse or care manager are available to answer your questions.
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References
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Australian Resuscitation Council: Neonatal Guidelines (February 2006)
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2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Part 13 Neonatal resuscitation guidelines. Circulation. 2005;112:IV-188 – IV-195.
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The Royal Women’s Hospital
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Newborn Intensive & Special Care
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Cnr Flemington Rd and Grattan St
Parkville VIC 3052
Phone: (03) 8345 3400
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Disclaimer
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The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet or incorporated into it by reference. We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
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Published January 2010
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