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Midwives magazine: Issue 6 :: 2011

Author: Sharon McDonald and Beverly Lynn
Publisher: Elsevier
Price: £24.99
ISBN: 9780702044083

Review by Helen Thompson

This video resource  is thorough and informative, demonstrating the practicalities of the top-to–toe examination of the newborn. The video clips are easy to watch and absorb, and with a total running time of 30 minutes, it provides both a quick update for professionals with clinical experience of performing the examination and an effective educational supplement for those undertaking the course.

The opportunistic nature of some of the components of the examination, such as identification of the red reflex and auscultation of the heart and lungs are identified and well demonstrated.

The video begins with an introduction, encompassing the preparation of environment and equipment. This systematically leads on to the top-to-toe examination of a baby called Taylor.

The detail of the examination is thorough and comprehensive. Ortolani and Barlow’s manoeuvres are explained and demonstrated in detail, while reflexes are identified opportunistically during the course of the examination. The commentary provided throughout the course of the assessment by the examiner is spontaneous, relaxed, informative and, at times, humorous. It concludes with a personalised discussion with baby Taylor’s parents, including the findings and limitations of the examination, ongoing parental observation, and routine follow-up care on transfer to the GP and health visiting. The topic of sudden infant death syndrome prevention is also sensitively addressed.

The video is an ideal resource to supplement and update professionals with clinical responsibility for carrying out examinations of newborns.