World Prematurity Day 2023 – small actions BIG IMPACT: Immediate Skin-To-Skin Care for Every Baby Everywhere
World Prematurity Day is celebrated every year on 17 November to honor the over 13 million babies that are born preterm each year, worldwide. What began 15 years ago at a small gathering of European parent organisations, has by now become a global movement. Today, countless individuals and organizations from across the world join forces with activities and events to draw attention to the topic of preterm birth. Their aim is to sensitize society to the needs and challenges of preterm-born babies, their families as well as medical professionals in the field of neonatology.
With this year's motto "small actions BIG IMPACT: immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere", World Prematurity Day is setting an example for baby- and family-centered, developmental care (IFCDC) in the neonatal intensive care unit, right from the moment of birth. Although data gives proof of the many benefits of skin-to-skin contact for the baby, the parents, and ultimately the healthcare system, it is not yet routine, for parents of preterm babies in particular, to have this form of early physical contact with their child from the very beginning. This is the case especially if the child was born very prematurely or with a very low birth weight.[1]
However, preterm babies benefit significantly from this practice. Compared to their term-born peers, babies born preterm often have a weaker immune system and are, at the same time, more likely to receive intensive medical treatment, making them especially susceptible to sepsis. An infection can be transferred during invasive medical procedures such as intravenous lines or breathing support by a mechanical ventilator. IFCDC practices such as immediate Kangaroo Care have been shown to reduce severe infections by 65% as they have a positive effect on the temperature regulation of the baby and support breathing, and weight gain.[2]
About World Prematurity Day
The awareness day was founded in 2008 by EFCNI and other European parent organizations and was joined in 2010 by the US organization March of Dimes, the African organization LittleBigSouls, and the Australian National Preemie Foundation.
References
[1] WHO Immediate KMC Study Group. (2021), Immediate “Kangaroo Mother Care” and Survival of Infants with Low Birth Weight. N Engl J Med 2021; 384:2028-2038 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2026486
[2] Conde-Agudelo A, Díaz-Rossello JL. Kangaroo mother care to reduce morbidity and mortality in low birthweight infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD002771. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002771.pub4