Other content tagged: news research
Good practice recommendations for term and preterm infants: A call for global cooperation
Worldwide, about 2.4 million neonatal deaths are reported annually, even though two-thirds of these infant deaths are preventable. Therefore, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) published a guidline of good practice recommendations for the care of term and preterm infants. The aim is to reduce neonatal mortality through better care and prevention of possible difficulties. FIGO supports the 2030 target of the Sustainable Development Goals to lower neonatal mortality to less…
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Research priorities for care of preterm or low birth-weight infants: Health policy
The outcomes of preterm birth remain concerning in many countries: Approximately 11% of infants worldwide are born preterm, and preterm birth complications are still the leading cause of death among children under five years of age. This is why, in 2020 the WHO convened a Guideline Development Group (GDG) to examine evidence and formulate recommendations for the care of preterm or low birth-weight (LBW) infants. The 25 new WHO recommendations confirm the pivotal…
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Examining the positive effects of family involvement at the neonatal intensive care unit for newborns and their parents
The stay in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) demands a lot from new parents. The physical and emotional separation between the newborn and their parents often creates feelings of helplessness and stress. Family-centred care (FCC) concepts can help to improve the parents’ mental well-being and the infant’s physical health. The FCC intervention enables parents to be with their child at any time and empowers them to care for their newborn. It also involves…
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Infection prevention and control in neonatal units: interactions between healthcare providers and mothers
Aiming to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections, a study from Ghana explored the role of mothers and healthcare providers (HPs) in infection prevention and control (IPC) for newborns in neonatal intensive care units. Both groups involved faced problems, particularly when interacting with each other, resulting in insufficient IPC interventions. While mothers received not enough information and felt insecure and stressed, the HPs reported not to have the capacity to collaborate in a better way. ©…
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Listening to the fathers of twins – Being sensitive to fathers’ needs in maternity and child healthcare
Currently, the number of twin births worldwide is higher than ever before. For parents, this can be challenging. So far, research has mostly focused on mothers and their experiences. However, fathers of twins also face special challenges – like establishing an early bond and interaction with both children. In addition, having more than one child of the same age also means multiplied responsibilities in childcare. Therefore, fathers of multiples must often adapt to…
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Family reflections: preterm birth and the power of parent involvement in research
In a heart-touching testimony that emphasises the power of patient and family involvement in neonatal research, Fabiana Bacchini's journey with her preterm-born child leads to significant insights into the care of preterm infants beyond hospital walls. Her story underscores the critical role parents play not only in their child's immediate well-being but also in driving long-term positive outcomes for the whole neonatal community. In her article, Fabiana Bacchini, a resilient mother of twins…
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Evaluating the success of preconception and pregnancy lifestyle interventions in preventing obesity in children: A scoping review protocol
Childhood obesity leads to many health problems and needs to be addressed. However, there are mixed results from lifestyle interventions that target the periods of preconception and pregnancy, motivating researchers within the EndObesity project to develop and present a protocol of a scoping review to clarify discrepancies in the literature. The review will consist of six stages. The authors expect that the results, which will be submitted for publication in a journal, will interest…
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Exclusive Human Milk Diet for Extremely Premature Infants: A Novel Fortification Strategy with Human Milk-Derived Fortifiers to Enhance the Bioactive Properties of Donor Milk
A recent study at the University Maternity Hospital Limerick in Ireland sheds light on the benefits of human milk-derived fortifiers (HMDF) for extremely preterm and low-birthweight infants. Results show that, unlike cow's milk-derived fortifiers (CMDF), HMDF significantly improves human milk's nutritional content, including higher fat, protein, and antioxidant activity. Moreover, certain bioactive proteins found to be lacking in donor human milk were enhanced with HMDF. Researchers concluded that fresh mother's own milk (FreMOM) fortified…
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An ethical examination of twin anemia polycythemia sequence screening
In a recent US case study, researchers have shed light on the ethical challenges surrounding diagnosing and managing Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS), a rare condition affecting monochorionic twin pregnancies. The study highlights the importance of veracity, respect for persons, justice, and disability rights in providing comprehensive care for families affected by TAPS. is a rare and often fatal disease that affects monochorionic twins. It is characterised by an unwanted small surface connection in the…
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Exploring Parental Bereavement Support in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
A recent systematic review from Canada explored parental experiences and bereavement in the NICU, shedding light on the challenges of infant loss. Healthcare professionals are crucial in supporting parents, which can be done by facilitating meaningful moments and using clear communication. Strategies like shared decision-making, parental involvement in activities, and bonding time were also found to help with grief. Other resources like spiritual care and counselling are also essential. Understanding parents' needs in neonatal loss…
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