What is the recommended technique for stimulating a distressed newborn?

The recommended technique for stimulating a distressed newborn involves running the infant’s back vigorously with a dry towel. This method provides gentle, tactile stimulation that can help to encourage breathing and improve the infant's responsiveness. The dry towel also assists in keeping the baby warm after birth, as it helps to dry off any remaining amniotic fluid that could contribute to heat loss.

In contrast, patting the infant's bottom may be less effective as it does not provide the same level of stimulation as rubbing the back. Gentle shaking is inappropriate because it can pose a risk of injury or trauma to the delicate structures of the infant's brain. Similarly, holding the infant upright and tapping may not provide the kind of thorough stimulation needed to stimulate the infant effectively and does not consider the newborn's need for warmth and security.

Using a dry towel to rub the back combines the necessary stimulation with warmth and care, making it a preferred approach for managing a distressed newborn.