What is the primary goal of neonatal resuscitation at birth?

• A. Improve breastfeeding
• B. Stimulate crying
• C. Administer epinephrine
• D. Establish and maintain effective ventilation and oxygenation

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that newborn resuscitation aims to establish and maintain ventilation so the baby can oxygenate the blood. When a baby is born, the lungs are fluid-filled and must be aerated to allow gas exchange; without effective ventilation, oxygen cannot reach the tissues, the heart can’t pump well, and bradycardia or poor perfusion ensues. The first steps focus on helping the baby breathe and increasing oxygen delivery—through warming, drying, positioning, clearing the airway if needed, and providing positive-pressure ventilation if there are no spontaneous breaths or if the heart rate is not adequate. Epinephrine and chest compressions come into play only if ventilation doesn’t quickly improve the heart rate and perfusion. While stimulating crying or later breastfeeding are important for overall newborn adaptation, they are not the primary goal of resuscitation at birth.