A Holistic Approach to Neonatal Resuscitation

The emerging science of pre and perinatal psychology and developmental
neuroscience suggests newborns are conscious and capable of feeling and establishing memory at birth. The
science points to the potential for imprinting traumatic events at birth which may then become the foundation for
future mal adaptive behavior patterns and mental illness. Pre and perinatal thought leaders are calling for new
models of obstetric and neonatal care that acknowledge the consciousness and suffering of babies at the time
of the trauma. Nurses at a small community hospital in Portland, Maine have developed a neonatal resuscitation
model that honors the consciousness and capability of neonates and may potentially minimize the risk of lasting
impact. KEY WORDS: Pre and perinatal psychology, neonatal resuscitation, consciousness.