A tender moment between two parents and their newborn, symbolising the importance of family-centred newborn care. © Pexels

Every newborn deserves care that protects their dignity and rights from the moment of birth. Yet, this global systematic review reveals that many infants experience disrespect and even abuse in healthcare facilities. Drawing on data from ten studies across Africa, Asia, and the United States, the research explored how newborns are treated after childbirth and identified factors that increase the risk of mistreatment. The findings show that disrespectful and unsafe practices, such as unnecessary procedures without consent, separation from mothers, or lack of breastfeeding support, remain widespread. The study highlights an urgent need to prioritise respectful newborn care as a core part of quality healthcare worldwide.

Many countries have made progress in improving survival rates for mothers and infants. However, the quality of care provided immediately after birth often fails to meet international recommendations. Disrespectful practices during newborn care not only violate infants’ basic rights but also undermine parents’ trust in the health system. Simple yet essential actions such as drying, skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping, and timely breastfeeding are sometimes neglected or carried out without parental consent, revealing persistent gaps between policy and practice.

The review included research from diverse settings, analysing data on how infants were treated during and after delivery. It found that newborns frequently experienced unnecessary medical procedures, poor communication from staff, and separation from their mothers without medical reason. Many parents reported not being informed about their infant’s care, and in some cases, caregivers failed to obtain consent before performing procedures. Physical handling such as slapping or shaking, or withholding breastfeeding guidance, were also reported, demonstrating a lack of standardised respectful care practices.

Reveals about disrespectful newborn care

Across the studies, between 18 and 92 percent of infants were exposed to at least one form of disrespect or abuse. Key risk factors included preterm birth, being born to single or low-income mothers, and births assisted by instruments. Female infants were more likely than males to experience mistreatment. Infants born to mothers with limited education or those living in rural areas were also more likely to face inadequate care. Alarmingly, medical interventions without consent were common: up to 63 percent of newborns in some facilities were treated without their parents’ permission.

Additional findings revealed missed opportunities for essential newborn care. Many infants were not placed in skin-to-skin contact, not breastfed within the first hour, or separated from their mothers without justification. Such practices can disrupt bonding, delay feeding, and increase stress for both infants and parents. The review also noted that when mothers themselves experienced abuse during childbirth, their newborns were more likely to be mistreated, suggesting a link between maternal and newborn care experiences.

Moving towards dignified and safe care

The study emphasises that respectful newborn care is a fundamental human right. Training healthcare providers to follow evidence-based practices and communicate clearly with parents can significantly improve outcomes. Policies should ensure that no infant is denied care due to gender, family background, or socioeconomic status. Strengthening pre-service and in-service education on ethics, communication, and consent is crucial to creating a lasting culture of compassion and respect within maternity and neonatal care settings.

Improving the quality of care during childbirth and the early postnatal period is vital to reducing avoidable deaths and ensuring that every newborn begins life in safety and dignity. Respectful care is not only a moral obligation but also a pathway towards healthier families and stronger health systems worldwide.

Paper available at: Respectful care of newborns after childbirth globally: a systematic review

Full list of authors: Haghdoost, S.; Montazeri, S.; Iravani, M.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/09697330251346063