PRETERM BORN CARE A COMPLETE HANDBOOK TO CARING FOR PREMATURE INFANTS

Preterm Born Care: A Complete Handbook to Caring for Premature Infants

The arrival of a baby is a time of happiness and expectation for all families. However, when a baby is born prematurely, prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy, it presents special problems and issues. Preterm infants need special care to aid their development, immunity, and growth. From feeding to vaccination and supplementation, all of their care requires careful consideration. Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is also important to avoid vision complications in preterm babies.

In this blog, we shall discuss the vital details of preterm born care, the issues and solutions that enable these delicate newborns to grow strong. We shall also discuss how Apollo Sage Hospitals offer world-class medical facilities to provide the best results for preterm babies.

Feeding Practices for Preterm Babies

Good nutrition is the basis for the health and well-being of a preterm infant. As premature infants possess immature digestive systems and reduced energy stores, their dietary needs are quite different from those of full-term infants.

Breastfeeding and Breast Milk Advantages

Breast milk is the perfect form of nutrition for preterm infants. It is rich in essential nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that nourish their immunity and development. Nevertheless, some preterm babies can have difficulties with breastfeeding because of their poor sucking reflex. In such a situation, expressed breast milk or donor human milk is ideal.

Major Advantages of Breast Milk for Preterm Infants:

• High in proteins and calories required for growth.
• Has antibodies to guard against infection.
• More easily digestible than formula milk.

Reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a dangerous intestinal illness in preterm babies.

Alternative Feeding Methods

When direct breastfeeding is not feasible, medical professionals resort to alternative feeding methods:

• Gavage feeding: A small tube is passed through the baby's mouth or nose into the stomach for milk administration.
• Cup feeding: Employed when infants establish a sucking reflex but are unable to latch on to the breast.
• Spoon feeding: Occasionally advised for slightly older preterm infants.

Vaccination for Preterm Babies

Vaccination plays an important role in safeguarding preterm babies against infectious diseases. Preterm infants, even though born prematurely, should be vaccinated based on their chronological age and not their corrected age (gestational age at birth plus postnatal age).

Importance of Vaccination

• Preterm infants have an increased risk of infection because of their immature immune system.
• Vaccines prevent them from fatal illnesses like whooping cough, pneumonia, and flu.
• Postponing the vaccines can make them susceptible to infection.
• Common Preterm Baby Vaccines
• Hepatitis B Vaccine: Administered at birth or on reaching a weight of 2 kg.
• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Vaccine: Administered according to schedule.
• Pneumococcal and Meningococcal Vaccines: Prevent respiratory infections.
• Influenza Vaccine: Administered to prevent seasonal flu.

Supplementation of Preterm Baby

Preterm infants usually need extra supplementation to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients and support their growth.

Key Supplements

• Iron Supplements: Preterm infants have reduced iron stores, so iron supplementation is required to avoid anemia.
• Vitamin-D: maintains bone growth and prevents rickets.
• Calcium and Phosphorus: These are Necessary for normal bone mineralization.
• Human Milk Fortifiers (HMFs): supplements with breast milk to enhance calorie and nutrient content.

ROP Screening  of  Preterm Born Babies

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a serious retinal disorder that occurs in premature infants. It is caused by irregular growth of the blood vessels in the retina, and if not treated, it may cause vision loss or blindness.

Significance of ROP Screening

• Preterm infants born prior to 34 weeks or with a birth weight of less than 1500 grams are at increased risk of ROP.
• Early detection and intervention will prevent serious vision issues.
• Laser treatment, anti-VEGF injections, or surgery for more advanced stages of the disease.

When To Do ROP Screening?

• The initial eye test must be done 4-6 weeks after birth.
• Regular follow-up eye checks are essential to check on the eyes.
• Newborns who are admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) need routine eye tests.

How  Apollo Sage Hospitals Facilitate Preterm Born Care

At Apollo Sage Hospitals Bhopal, we recognize the special needs of preterm babies and their families. Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is well-equipped with the latest technology and a team of seasoned neonatologists, pediatricians, and trained nurses committed to offering complete care to premature babies.

Our Specialized Preterm Care Services:

• Advanced NICU Facilities: With incubators, ventilators, and monitoring systems to care for fragile preterm babies.
• Expert Pediatricians and Neonatologists: 24/7 available for critical care and management.
• Specialized Feeding Care: Lactation consultants to help mothers with breastfeeding and other feeding alternatives.
• Full Vaccination Program: Preventive immunization at the right time to avoid infections.
• Nutritional Counseling and Supplementation: Personalized nutrition plans with human milk fortifiers, iron, and vitamin supplementation.
• ROP Screening and Eye Care: Early diagnosis and treatment of ROP to avoid loss of vision.
• Parental Counseling and Support: Psychological and emotional support to parents dealing with preterm birth issues.

Why Apollo Sage Hospitals (ASH) for Preterm Care?

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Our specialists work together across specialties to provide comprehensive care.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: State-of-the-art medical equipment and diagnostic facilities for improved outcomes.
• Family-Centered Care: We engage parents in each step of their baby's care process.
• 24/7 Emergency and NICU Services: Prompt response to any neonatal emergencies.

Conclusion

Taking care of a preterm baby involves specialized medical care, nutrition, and careful observation. Ranging from feeding and immunization to supplementation and ROP examination, all elements are significant to ensure the health of premature babies.

At  Apollo Sage Hospitals Bhopal, we hold a promise of the highest possible quality of neonatal care in order to help preterm infants take the first best step of their life. Our state-of-the-art NICU, renowned medical staff, and caring support team are backed by every parent embarking on the journey of preterm infant care.
If your preterm baby or the one needing specialty neonatal treatment is born in your care, rely on the expert services of  Apollo Sage Hospitals. We can take care of their future with an even healthier path together!