Knowledge and practice of Midwives on immediate newborn care

Summary Newborn is considered as tiny and powerless completely dependent on other for life especially within one minute of his/her life. A normal new born adapts from a dependent fetal existence to an independent one; capable of breathing and carrying on life process. The first hours are crucial because multiple organ system is making the transition from intrauterine to extra uterine functions. The care given immediately after birth is simple but important. The score of knowledge of participants on immediate newborn care was 17.7% good and 25.2% poor. More than half (52.4%) of midwives practiced immediate newborn care. The rest 47.6% participants have not practiced it. Midwives working in health center have 82% lower odds of newborn care compared to those working in hospital (p=0.000 OR=0.18 (0.07 0.43). Midwives had knowledge and practice gap on immediate newborn care.Significant numbers of midwives have improper practice of newborn care like avoiding the colostrums improper cord tie and placement of baby identification band in the baby’s wrist . Statistically significant difference of newborn care was observed among the midwives working in the health center and hospital.