Premature babies

Although it may seem like it's not a big deal, two to three weeks apart at birth could make a difference. It is known, for example, that babies who are premature are more likely to have certain complications both in the short and long term.

Skin-to-skin contact with mother is essential from the first moment of life and the sooner it takes place, the more benefits for the mother and her child. Different studies have also shown that this direct contact helps premature babies to overcome difficulties and that the presence of a mother or father has a real calming effect on the child.

Every year 15 million premature babies are born in the world, which represents one in every ten births. The vast majority of them require the care of an incubator, where they are maintained and cared for until they are ready to go home. Some only stay there for a few days, while others for a few months.

When my middle son, Aran, was born in 2009 at 35 weeks, they opted to admit him to the neonatal intensive care unit to check that everything was fine. They put him in an incubator and there they monitored him until hours later his mother could be with him.

The incidence of Covid-19 in newborns, children of mothers who suffer from the virus during pregnancy or in childbirth, and on newborns who have been infected after birth, are some of the central issues that concern experts .

The strength of newborns never ceases to amaze us, not only parents but also doctors who come across cases like Neve. She was born premature, and her life expectancy was zero according to the doctors, so she was separated from her twin brother Louie at the time of delivery.

Every year 15 million premature babies are born and for decades progress has been made in their care so that more and more of these little heroes get ahead without sequelae. The importance of the kangaroo method for premature babies, or breastfeeding, was already known and now a study has shown that providing pleasant tactile sensations to babies allows better brain development.

The Kangaroo Mother method is a technique with great benefits for newborns, both premature and full-term babies. It is inspired by the marsupials that are born immature and continue their growth outside the uterus, safe from the mother, until they are ready to integrate into their environment.