author(s)
Varalakshmi E and Joy Lovis S

abstract
Background: The birth of a newborn is the most joyful occasion for the mother and the family. The joy continues only if the newborn survives its first few minutes of struggle for existence. The first few minutes after birth make the difference between life and death for a newborn. Although most babies smooth transition from fetal to neonatal life,4 to 6% of the neonates are likely to face difficulties, dehydration, infections, jaundice, bereavement, the unexpected ill hospitalized infants, fetal distress, delivery by caesarean section, preterm delivery, Apgar score <6 at one minute, required assisted ventilation, delivery by forceps, etc., these are the leading newborn complications in developing countries.