Care of the neonate

The Care of the Neonate course is structured into three detailed units, each focusing on crucial aspects of neonatal care.

Unit 1: The Spectrum of Normal Newborn Behaviour
This unit focuses on understanding the wide range of normal behaviours in newborns. It covers topics such as breastfeeding patterns, weight gain, crying, sleeping habits, and diaper output. Participants will learn about what constitutes normal feeding behaviours and how to assess a baby's nutritional intake through factors like urine and stool output. The unit also emphasises the importance of supporting parents and helping them recognise normal versus abnormal behaviour in their newborns.

Unit 2: Common GP Presentations in the Postpartum Period
This unit addresses common conditions and concerns that general practitioners encounter in the neonatal period. It covers the six-week postpartum check, examining history, growth assessments, and developmental milestones. The unit explores conditions like fever, respiratory symptoms, jaundice, umbilical concerns, and abnormal head shapes. It also outlines the red flags for serious infections and other health concerns that require urgent attention, providing guidance on when to refer newborns for specialist care.

Unit 3: Supporting Newborn Feeding and Nutrition
This unit focuses on breastfeeding and newborn nutrition. It discusses the benefits of breastfeeding, techniques for achieving optimal latch and milk transfer, and how to support mothers facing breastfeeding challenges. The unit emphasises the importance of adequate milk intake and offers strategies to assess and improve milk supply. It also touches on the use of galactagogues and how to manage low breast milk supply effectively, while offering guidance on alternative feeding methods when breastfeeding is not possible.

This course equips healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools to support both newborns and their families during the early stages of life, ensuring the best possible outcomes.