Newborn Care - Fluids and feeding in sick newborns Field

About the Course

Most babies admitted into the newborn unit are either too sick or too small to commence exclusive breastfeeding straight away and will require feeding support.

In this module we will discuss fluid needs of babies in the newborn unit and learn to prescribe and administer intravenous (IV) fluid therapy and enteral feeds according to a baby’s age, weight and clinical condition.

Target audience

The module is intended for nurses, midwifes, clinical officers and medical doctors caring for newborns in MSF projects.

Duration

60 minutes

Learning Objectives

Once you have completed this module, you should be able to:

  • Describe total daily fluid requirements according to birth weight, age and clinical condition,
  • Prescribe IV fluids and enteral feeds for sick and small newborns,
  • Describe the principles of fluid administration and monitoring in newborn babies,
  • Recognise and manage complications associated with IV fluid use in neonates.

List of Contents

Theory:

  • Body water compartments
  • Steps to prescribing fluids in newborns
  • Administering IV fluids
  • Monitoring IV fluids and feeds
  • Supporting women to breastfeed

Application / 3 case studies

Summary / Learning points /Job aid

Methodology

We recommend printing out the job aid and using the neonatal guideline during the module.

Certification

After completing the module and answering the final quiz with at least 80% correct responses learners are entitled a Tembo completion badge and a certificate.

Enrolment

To access this eLearning module, you need first to enrol in the Newborn Care Learning Hub. The information on how to attend the module is available there.

Release and update

November 16, 2021