If all three questions are yes, what should you do?

• A. Give to mom for skin-to-skin bonding
• B. Place on warmer immediately
• C. Suction the airway forcibly
• D. Initiate chest compressions

Answer: (A)

In this situation, when the newborn is breathing or crying, has good muscle tone, and is pink, the best next step is to place the baby on the mother’s chest for skin-to-skin bonding. This immediate bonding supports thermoregulation, stabilizes the infant’s breathing and heart rate, and fosters breastfeeding and emotional connection. Keeping the baby with the mother minimizes handling and allows ongoing observation in a natural, comforting environment while the infant remains warm.

Suctioning the airway forcibly isn’t needed for a healthy, well-appearing newborn and can cause unnecessary distress or injury. Placing the baby on a warmer immediately would separate them from the mother, which isn’t preferred when the infant is stable. Chest compressions are only for situations where the baby isn’t breathing or has a very low heart rate despite proper ventilation.