10-11 October saw 340 healthcare professionals gather in France for SOS Préma’s 15th annual training days, a pivotal event offering an empathetic view into the realities faced by families of preterm infants.

Each year, “SOS Préma”, our valued partner in France, hosts training sessions to deepen the understanding of healthcare providers around the unique challenges encountered by preterm infants and their families. Established in 2011, these events now bring together hundreds of healthcare professionals, all committed to improving neonatal care. The 15th edition, held on 10 and 11 October, attracted over 340 participants, all united in their commitment to advancing care for these vulnerable newborns.

The event revolved around four main themes, each addressing key aspects of neonatal care:

1. Zero Separation: Couplet care from birth
   Promoting uninterrupted contact between newborns and parents from birth through hospitalisation, ensuring that critical family bonds are supported from the earliest moments.

2. Supporting late preterm babies
   Exploring breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care as essential practices to help these infants grow and thrive, reinforcing the importance of holistic approaches.

3. Navigating difficult moments with Zero Separation
   Addressing challenging periods during hospitalisation and equipping professionals with strategies to provide consistent infant- and family-centred support.

4. Observing newborns with family involvement
   Encouraging healthcare providers to incorporate parents as essential members of the caregiving team, fostering a collaborative environment for a more comprehensive understanding of each infant’s needs.

SOS Préma’s Charter for the Hospitalised Newborn, a cornerstone of these discussions, continues to influence practices by promoting humane and inclusive neonatal care. Parental testimonials were central to the event, with families sharing their firsthand experiences, followed by scientific insights, ensuring that every healthcare professional gains practical tools and empathetic perspectives.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to “SOS Préma”, the expert speakers, parent witnesses, and the attendees, whose engagement makes this event an invaluable contribution to advancing neonatal care.

For more information, please visit SOS Préma’s website here (article in French).