Most AAP/AHA NRP classes utilize equipment, staffing, and philosophy ideal for those practicing the medical model of care in the hospital setting.  Baby's Breath is designed for those practicing within the midwifery model of care in the community setting.  Although it follows ILCOR guidelines and integrates the 8th edition NRP algorithm into the course, it also focuses on the unique aspects that support physiologic birth and holistic neonatal transition in the home, birth center, or transfer to the hospital.  Home and Birth Center clients are low risk and therefore midwives in this setting do not routinely care for compromised newborns.  We must respect this knowledge gap and adopt training that supports our learning needs.  Practice should be more frequent and knowledge tested in scenarios unique to our staffing and possible transport plans. Unlike hospital-based courses, Baby’s Breath incorporates our midwifery values into the scenarios that we practice.  Care is provided in a manner that respects explicitly the connection and need of mother and baby to remain together during this highly sensitized post-birth period.  We review the importance of the intimate interplay of hormones, placental circulation, skin-skin contact, mother’s voice, touch, and intuition on the neonate’s transition.  We discuss the importance of our energy as providers and how we can most effectively hold the space and communicate when we are waiting for each new Baby’s Breath.   Baby’s Breath is an invaluable course for midwives and those assisting midwives during care provided in the community setting. 

why

BABY'S BREATH