Figure 7.10 How to give gentle tactile stimulation: (left) rub the baby's abdomen up and down; (centre and right) flick the underside of the baby's foot with your fingers.
DO NOT stimulate by:
- Slapping the back
- Squeezing the rib cage
- Forcing the baby's thighs into its abdomen
- Dilating the anal sphincter (the ring of muscle that closes the anus)
- Hot or cold compresses or baths
- Shaking the umbilical cord.
These types of stimulation are dangerous and can damage the newborn.
