Maintain skin to skin contact with your premature baby: Dr H V Shubha
2 min read
Mysuru: Worldwide preterm births are increasing due to lifestyle changes, medical conditions in the mother like diabetes and hypertension and artificial reproductive techniques. Approximately 1 in 10 babies are born premature worldwide, said Dr Shubha HV, Consultant Neonatologist, Kangaroo Care Women and Children Hospitals and Fertility Center, Vijayanagar, Mysuru.
Addressing media persons at Press Club, Dr Shubha said “World Prematurity Day is celebrated every year on November 17 to raise awareness about the challenges faced by preterm babies and their families, as well as to demonstrate solidarity and compassion for such families Babies born too early face numerous challenges in many aspects of life while growing up and require special assistance to help them grow safely. The global theme of World Prematurity Day 2023 is “Small actions, BIG IMPACT: Immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere”.
“Skin-to-skin contact has been proven to be extremely effective especially for premature babies. Initiated right after birth, the practice of skin-to-skin contact contributes to the baby’s awareness of touch and affection, playing a pivotal role in starting and sustaining breastfeeding. Enable skin-to-skin contact from the moment of birth. Initiated immediately after birth, its practice contributes to the initiation and sustaining of breastfeeding, favours the stabilization of vital parameters such as heart rate and blood glucose levels and helps the establishment of a healthy microbiota, aspects of importance both in the process of adaptation to extrauterine life after birth and long term neurodevelopment. It also aids relaxation and deep sleep.
As long as clinical stability allows, skin-to-skin contact in premature infants is essential for a healthy and sensitive experience” added Dr Shubha who has successfully managed to deliver more than 100 premature babies.
Dr Shekar Subbaiah, Neonatologist, CEO and founder of Kangaroo Care Women and Children Hospitals and Fertility Center who also spoke on the occasion said “The hospital is well equipped with all latest equipment for babies. Last three years we have successfully delivered more than 400 premature babies including 110 premature deliveries this year itself at our hospital. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year”.
He also mentioned that breast feeding is essential for the baby to keep away allergies, infections and various diseases. Apart from this he also mentioned that the NICU facility is very important for the treatment of premature babies.
Kangaroo Care hospital is equipped with a 15 bedded NICU facility.
Head of NICU Franklin and Dietician Ashika Prabhu were also present.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
