World Prematurity Week celebrated at DMCH

Ludhiana, November 22, 2021: Pre term birth and its complications are one of the largest contribution in infant death in India and globally. Every year an estimated 15 billion babies are born pre term, which is more than 1 in 10 babies are born pre term and this number is rising rapidly.
Department of Paediatrics, DMCH today observed World Prematurity Week (17th Nov to 22nd Nov) in OPD block of DMCH. This year theme for this week is ‘Safety, Quality & Nurturing Care – Birthright of Newborn’. A role play regarding the management of premature baby was  depicted by the nursing staff of Neonatal ICU and nursing  students of DMCH.Bishav Mohan (Medical Supdt & Professor Cardiology),Dr Puneet A Pooni (HOD, Pediatrics) and other faculty members DMCH were also present on the occasion.
Secretary, DMCH Managing Society Sh Prem Kumar Gupta said that Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at DMCH has state of the art facilities and provides the highest level of neonatal care for sick and high risk infants.
Dr Puneet A Pooni, Professor & Head Department of Paediatrics said that when a baby is born too soon they may require special care because he/she is not ready  for  outside life from the womb.  So it is advisable to  parents to seek medical help if any premature baby is  born, said Dr Pooni.
Dr Kamaldeep Arora , Associate Professor Department of Neonatology  said that if  it is best for premature babies to be born at the hospital which has NICU (Neonatal ICU) and  best obstetrics and gynaecology  facilities . Further Dr Arora said that, if the baby is born in a hospital which does not have the facility of NICU baby should be transferred another hospital for further care.
DMCH has managed to survive a premature baby weighing 480grams during the time of birth and it is rare of survival.
Tips for the parents to take care of premature baby at home
•        Do regular follow-up with your pediatrician
•        Taking care of baby sleep requirements
•        Practicing Kangaroo care (skin to skin contact) at home
•        Breastfeed your baby, exclusively till 6 months
•        Keep the record of your baby growth
•        Getting vaccinated your baby as per the schedule