Parents should seek medical help in case of premature birth, says expert

Ludhiana, November 22

Preterm birth and its complications are among the largest contributions to infant death in the country and across the world.

Tips for taking care of premature baby at home

• Do regular follow-up with your pediatrician
• Take care of sleep requirements
• Practice kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact) at home
• Breastfeed baby, exclusively till six months
• Keep a record of baby growth
• Get baby vaccinated as per schedule

The Department of Paediatrics, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), has observed world prematurity week (November 17 to 22) at the OPD block of the hospital. This year, theme for this week is ‘Safety, quality and nurturing care — Birthright of newborn’.

A role play regarding the management of premature baby was depicted by nursing staff of neonatal ICU and nursing students of the DMCH.

Dr Puneet A Pooni, professor and head, department of paediatrics, said when a baby was born too soon, it may require special care because he/she was not ready for the outside life, from the womb. Hence, it was advisable to parents to seek medical help if any premature baby was born. The DMCH has managed to save a premature baby weighing 480 gm during birth and it is a rare case of survival. — TNS