What is the primary purpose of tactile stimulation provided to a newborn?

The primary purpose of tactile stimulation provided to a newborn is to encourage spontaneous breathing and improve respiratory effort. When a newborn is delivered, especially if they are not transitioning well in the immediate postnatal period, tactile stimulation can help activate the respiratory centers in the brain. This can prompt the neonate to take their first breaths, which is crucial for establishing effective ventilation and oxygenation.

The stimulation can also serve to assist in the clearance of mucus from the airways, further aiding the newborn's ability to breathe independently. Engaging in tactile stimulation can create a more responsive and alert state in the newborn, supporting their overall transition to extrauterine life.

While other options touch on important aspects of neonatal care, they do not directly align with the immediate and critical need for promoting breathing in newborns following delivery. Improving muscle tone and strength, assessing neurological function, and ensuring comfort are certainly relevant, but they are secondary compared to the urgent need to establish effective breathing immediately after birth.