Abstract :
Neonatal jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the white part of the eyes and skin in a newborn baby due to high bilirubin levels. Other symptoms may include excess sleepiness or poor feeding. Complications may include seizures, cerebral palsy, or kernicterus. The need for treatment depends on bilirubin levels, the age of the child, and the underlying cause. Treatments may include more frequent feeding, phototherapy, or exchange transfusions. In those who are born early more aggressive treatment tends to be required. Physiologic jaundice generally lasts less than seven days. It aims to assess and manage the incidence of jaundice in neonates. The study conducted, in neonates who are either born in primary care or discharged to primary care within the first few hours to days of life. A maternity care assistant (MCA) provides postpartum care to mother and neonate during daytime for the first 8 days after delivery. The MCA is supervised by a community midwife, who visits the family at least three times in the first week. Medical doctors are only involved in the care of otherwise healthy neonates if consulted by the community midwife. Jaundice is common in otherwise healthy neonates cared for in primary care. TSB quantification was not always performed in very jaundiced neonates, and not all neonates received phototherapy when indicated. Quality improvement initiatives are required, including alternative approaches to identifying potentially severe jaundice.
Keyword :
Maternity care assistant, Bilirubin levels, Community midwife, Neonates