Other content tagged: news research
Heatwave-related preterm births (PTBs) linked to human capital losses in China
A recent study in China combined health impact and economic assessment methods to evaluate heatwave-related PTBs burden in dimensions of health, human capital and economic costs. Simulated scenarios showed that about a quarter (25.8%) of heatwave-related PTBs per year on average can be attributed to climate change, which in turn results in human capital losses of estimated $1 billion costs. These findings emphasize once again strict climate mitigation policies and are a strong call…
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Beneficial influence of breastfeeding on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-associated acute lower respiratory infections in children – a systematic literature review
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses a significant risk of serious infection in children worldwide, in particular in children in low-income and middle-income countries. However, previous studies indicated that breastfeeding could be a protective factor as it strengthens the immune system and protects against other serious childhood infections. A current systematic review summarises the available evidence on breastfeeding and its effects on acute lower respiratory infections which are associated with RSV. Breastfeeding is officially…
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Experience of a Mother‑Newborn Care Unit (MNCU) in India – A successful example of Zero Separation
In the iKMC study, the effect of immediate kangaroo mother care (KMC) was investigated. Researchers implemented new facilities where sick and small newborns resided with their mothers 24/7 and were encouraged to practice immediate KMC. This new concept showed better health outcomes for the mother and the baby, including a 25% lower death rate during the first 28 days of life. Zero separation…
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A pressing need for research to reduce nutritional uncertainties in preterm infant care: Findings from a European roundtable discussion with parent representatives
Clinical uncertainties regarding best practices on preterm nutrition will be addressed in a future randomised control trial. However, researchers first sought the views and experiences of parents of preterm babies and adults born preterm to consider them during the study design. The results of two roundtable discussions showed strong support for further research but also revealed variation in participants' knowledge about research trials and in information provided to parents during a baby's hospital stay. Researchers…
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Protocol for the effectiveness evaluation of the antenatal parenting programme “Baby Steps” on maternal outcomes: A Born in Broadford’s Better Start (BiBBS) study
Poor mental health during pregnancy and shortly after birth can have severe consequences for parents and children, requiring public health interventions to prevent psychological distress and achieve optimal health outcomes. However, there is little evidence of the effectiveness of such interventions, including a recent remote programme called “Baby Steps”, which aims to improve parental mental health and parent-infant bonding. A new evaluation was developed to assess “Baby Steps” through a quasi-experimental study. Its future results hope to interest researchers, families…
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Parent-support intervention in end-of-life-care at a neonatal intensive care unit in China
A study conducted at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in China investigated the impact of parental involvement in the end-of-life-care (EOLC) of their preterm infants on parental depression and satisfaction with their child’s medical treatment. Parents who received the intervention spent time caring for their newborn in the final days of the infant’s life and experienced lower levels of depression and greater satisfaction with the care provided than those who opted for standard EOLC.…
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Experiences on delivery and breastfeeding practices in Beijing, China during Covid-19
A Chinese study compared women’s experiences who delivered before and during the lockdown regarding feeding practices and childbearing. Interestingly, breastfeeding was seemingly positively influenced by the lockdown, the study from Beijing shows. The COVID-19 pandemic had a tremendous impact on all aspects of life, including pregnant and delivering women and their families. Despite the severity of the virus, the WHO recommended breastfeeding during the pandemic, when taking suitable precautions, as human milk is the optimal…
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Mothers’ experiences of early skin-to-skin contact vs. traditional separation approach after a very preterm birth
Researchers in Norway explored experiences of mothers of very preterm children regarding early skin-to-skin contact vs. a traditional separation approach. Mothers benefited from skin-to-skin contact as it ensured them the vitality of the infant, promoted bonding and gave them an overall positive, emotionally overwhelming experience. In the last decades, contact between mother and child immediately after birth has changed. Nowadays, skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is mostly promoted, which also applies to caesarean sections. According to the…
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