Back to Resources
Position Statement

Care of the Newborn

Essential Competencies, Midwifery Practice
ICM
Last Edited 25 July 2024 02:39 CEST
Download Resource
Jane Mpanga, a midwife checks on a new born baby at her clinic in Kireka, Kampala.

Background  

The care of the newborn is an integral part of the role of the midwife as defined in the Definition of the Midwife (1), and the ICM Essential Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice (2). WHO (3) estimates that 2.7 million neonatal deaths and 2.6 million stillbirths occur each year. Most of these deaths happen within the first 24 hours of birth, primarily from preventable causes.  

Studies have shown that quality care, from a midwife or other qualified professional taking care of the mother and baby, who possesses optimum skills and attitudes, and is able to use effective clinical and non-clinical interventions could save many newborn lives (4).  

 

Position  

ICM underscores that the midwife is responsible for the health and wellbeing of the mother and her baby that are under her care. The midwife must attain and maintain optimum skills and competencies in all areas related to newborn care at minimum as described in the ICM Essential Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice, and provide high quality, comprehensive care for the healthy infant from birth to two months of age (5), including: 

  • Examination of the newborn
  • Resuscitation of the newborn
  • General care of the newborn and the detection/ management of common conditions
  • Identification of complications and referral as appropriate
  • Early establishment and continuation of breastfeeding, with family and community education to promote, protect and support breastfeeding
  • Education of mothers and families in the prevention and management of diseases and other conditions, and the need for immunisation
  • Supporting the process of bonding and attachment between the mother and her newborn

Recommendations  

Member associations are urged to: 

  • Seek to influence the education of midwives to ensure that they have the knowledge, understanding, appropriate skills and attitudes to care for the newborn and effectively manage emergency care
  • Encourage midwives, where appropriate, to develop specialised skills in the care of the newborn with special needs
  • Seek to influence their governments to ensure midwives can provide newborn care in enabling environments

Related ICM Documents  

 

Core Document

Essential Competencies for Midwifery Practice

The essential competences for the practice of midwifery describe the minimum set of knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required by an individual to use the title of midwife as defined by the ICM.
Core Document, Definition / Glossary

Definition of Midwifery

ICM has developed the definition of midwifery, used around the world as the basis of the profession.
Position Statement

Breastfeeding and Human Milk 

Breastfeeding is essential for infant health and maternal well-being. ICM advocates for exclusive breastfeeding, supporting informed choices, and midwives’ crucial role.

Adopted at Vienna International Council meeting, 2002

Revised at Toronto Council Meeting, 2017 

Revised at Virtual Council Meeting, 2024 

Due for next review 2027