Neonatal resuscitation is used to revive a newborn who is not breathing or has other serious problems. Neonatal resuscitation is a series of emergency procedures performed by a doctor to support newborn babies who are not breathing, are gasping or have a weak heartbeat at birth.

Do all babies need resuscitation?

Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of newborns (over 90%) complete this transition to independent breathing on their own without any assistance. However, 10% of newborns require some form of assistance to start breathing on their own and 1% require extensive medical intervention known as neonatal resuscitation.

Why do babies need to be resuscitated?

What is newborn resuscitation? Some babies may have trouble starting to breathe when they are born. Newborn resuscitation is when emergency care is given to help a baby who is not breathing or having difficulties with breathing at birth.