Caring for the normal newborn

Abstract

Unlike other species in the nature, the human offspring and the birthing mother are protected institutionally by the whole society. This protection has to be in line with the natural rules and laws as much as possible in order to preserve natural evolutionary potentials of the human race. This means that the human race should make efforts to remain the part of the natural circle throughout the life cycle. Caring for the normal healthy newborn is particularly important on that track. Caregivers should use as much as possible the intrinsic potential of the mother and her newborn baby to preserve their health, with salutogenic approach and by strengthening their resilience. In this chapter you will find some answers connecting prenatal environment with postnatal life, with influence of birthing process on the neonate and its transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life, with initiation of breastfeeding immediately after birth. The importance of microbiome for human health is discussed and emphasized. Postnatal assessment of the newborn should enable one to find what may interfere with the natural process of transition. This approach includes provision of care minimizing medicalization and iatrogenic intervention, with the promotion and enhancement of positive state of health.