Entry into this world: Who should assist? Birth attendants and newborn health.

The period of birth is critical in the life of the mother and the baby. Ideally it needs to be assisted in a competent manner by a skilled birth attendant (SBA) supported by an enabling environment. This goal has yet to be achieved in all countries. Currently it is essential to at least upgrade the skills of existing SBAs in managing both the mother and baby and to supply the necessary resources. Another key strategy is to implement suitable community-based interventions to achieve the required behaviors in family members health workers and volunteers to improve newborn health. The latter interventions need to be adapted to suit local requirements. (authors)