The guidelines in this document from the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics focus upon optimal care of the newborn infant, including those who are proceeding to a normal transition from the fluid-filled uterine environment to birth. Newborn infants who are proceeding to normal transition can benefit from deferred cord clamping for at least 60 seconds in most instances, skin-to-skin with their parent soon after birth, and appropriate assistance with thermoregulation. Some newborn infants require assistance during transition, with interventions ranging from warming and tactile stimulation to advanced airway management, assisted ventilation, oxygen therapy, intravascular access, epinephrine, and volume expansion. In this context, individuals, teams, and health care settings that care for newborn infants should be prepared and have access to appropriate training and resources for neonatal resuscitation. The newborn chain of care provides guidance on considerations that may lead to optimal outcomes for newborn infants starting from prenatal care to recovery and follow-up.
Keywords: AHA Scientific Statements; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; laryngeal mask; neonatal resuscitation; neonate; oxygen; umbilical cord management; ventilation.