Who should examine the 'normal' neonate?

Abstract

Newborn babies are examined twice in the maternity unit, once by a midwife and once by a doctor, or if born at home, by the GP. In this paper, the author assesses the value of the examination carried out on the newborn and asks who is the most appropriate health practitioner to carry it out. If midwives are to become the lead professional in examining the newborn, they must be willing to take responsibility if defects are missed, the author argues.