Jo Newborn babies have a very high Haemoglobin (the types of cells that carrry oxygen and that some women will take iron to increase the level of during pregnancy). These cells carry oxygen around the body. This gives babies a much greater capacity to be without oxygen. In newborns it is believed to be about 8 minutes, compared to children and adults who only have 3 minutes, allowing unborn babies to 'share' oxygen breathed in by their mother when growing in the womb.
For example, When doing a breech, the baby's cord becomes compressed after the birth of the baby's body, as the cord passes up past the baby's head and becomes compressed between the baby's head and the mother's pelvis. Caregivers aim to have the baby fully born within 8 minutes (although shorter if possible). Babies lose this ability within days of the birth. As the 'excess' haemoglobin is naturally broken down by the baby's body. This process causes the production of 'bilirubin', causing mild jaundice in up to 50% of babies from days 2 to 5 after the birth. With all this in mind, it is probable that the baby is fine. Many babies are 'slow' to respond due to a range of factors (fast birth, cord tightly around the baby's neck. or needing to be cut by the practitioner before the baby's body is born, difficult birth of shoulders). However, some babies start to become 'deprived' of oxygen during the birh process and become distressed before the birth (with lower heart rates, and meconium in the waters, or occassionally no signs at all)...meaning that their their '8 minute' capacity is diminished. This is possible, but less likely and with all these things time always tells, with how the baby grows and reaches milestones etc in childhood years. Hope this helps Cath Price Midwife For all the latest information on pregnancy, birth and early parenting, subscribe to www.birth.com.au [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Jo Slamen Sent: Friday, 15 February 2002 4:00 PM To: Midwifery List Subject: Question for a Relative Hi, My SIL's niece whom I met at Christmas dinner last year (we talked lots as were both preggo - and opting for Birth Centre deliveries etc.), birthed her first baby - a little girl - last Sunday. My SIL (Sherrill) informed me of this over the phone (we are interstate from one another) and I asked how it all went. She had been to see her the day afterwards and the birth had gone really well, but Sherrill said that bub had to be resuscitated and didn't breathe on her own until 3 mins after the birth. Sherrill was uninclined to ask the baby's parents if there were possible ongoing complications from this (didn't want to make them paranoid), but she remains quite concerned about the baby's health. I asked how she seemed and Sherrill said she was breastfeeding and had apparently passed a hearing test (which I presume was administered due to the delay in her breathing). I thought I'd check with you professionals as to whether that time frame of not breathing after birth was of concern in the medium to longer term. I only intend to ask for Sherrill, not the baby's parents. Jo -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
