18-20 NOVEMBER, ULAANBAATAR – A coaching course on “Early essential newborn care” was organized at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health for inter-soum and soum health center obstetricians, midwives and neonatal doctors.
The 3-day course conducted by national coached trainers under the guidance of WHO consultant Dr Mari Honda aims to introduce early essential newborn care interventions in soum health care facilities with more than 50 deliveries per year, strengthen the capacity of birth attendants and reduce the risk of preventable causes of early neonatal mortality and morbidity.
The course allowed trainees gain knowledge about core interventions and care for all mothers and newborn infants including those at risk and the importance of the first embrace, immediate and thorough drying of the baby, continuous communication with the new mother and many others interventions.
Additionally, its practical approach meant that trainees acquired the necessary skills in carrying out interventions in pre-birth preparations and immediate newborn care and learn them inside out. In group works, all trainees exercised every single step starting from checking the room temperature to washing hands to drying the baby to counselling the mother on feeding cues. Open discussion among participants and coaches also facilitated interactive learning.