Care of the newborn in perinatal units in New Brunswick.

A survey of 23 perinatal units in New Brunswick hospitals was conducted by means of a mailed questionnaire to determine the type of care provided to newborns. The results showed various degrees of conformity with published guidelines for the care of newborns. Deficiencies were noted in several areas of care: failing to give or improperly giving vitamin K1 prophylaxis (in 7 of the units), flushing the eyes after silver nitrate prophylaxis (in 10), using hexachlorophene to bathe newborns (in 11) and delaying the first feeding up to 12 hours (in 3). It is essential to provide appropriate support to newborns as they adjust to a new environment and to ensure that alternative practices are in keeping with current scientific knowledge.