The relationship established between health professionals and newborns is analysed in this study. The research focuses mainly on the fact that this interaction is mediated by scientific knowledge, technology and the equipment used on the care of babies. This is a exploratory qualitative research. The data was collected in two nurseries in the city of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. It was verified that the proceedures used in these nurseries fullfilled the necessities of newborns regarding the control and maintenance of vital functions (cardio-respiratory, thermoregulation, oxygenation, fluid-electrolyte balance and nutrition), as well as the administration of medicines, and collection of, organic material for diagnosis and therapy. It was also observed that nursery professionals prepare, install, control and do the maintenance of the equipment, while doctors are in charge of installing and controling it in more invasive proceedures.
newborn care; nurseries