Quality medical care: the right of every premature baby and his family

San José, Nov 08 (elmundo.cr) – Every year about 13 million premature babies are born in the world and in Costa Rica, 5,500 babies are reported to be born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Prematurity is the leading cause of death in children under one year; and childhood disabilities, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Next November 17 marks the World Day of Prematurity and in 2024, PAHO, the Neonatal Alliance and other international organizations are raising their voices on the importance of promoting – at the global level – access to services quality medicine, no matter how young these patients are. they are born.

Huggies®, Kimberly-Clark’s baby care brand in partnership with the Foundation for Parents of Premature Babies in Costa Rica (FUNDAPREMA), are joining this global call to raise public awareness of the importance of for this memorial to be visible and to give support to these young warriors. who fight every day to survive, together with their families and to advocate for the medical care necessary for their good development.

According to Diana Orantes, Personal Care Business Manager at Kimberly-Clark Central America, the company, through Huggies® and in line with its mission to provide “Better Care for a Better World”, supports the efforts of FUNDAPREMA, through education and information campaigns and delivery of products to families with this condition.

“In the last two years the brand has contributed with the donation of about 25 thousand diapers from the Huggies® Pure and Natural Care line, which are made of natural fibers, are very soft, do not contain parabens and fragrance; In addition, they are designed for most of these patients in order to give them health and comfort during this critical period of their lives,” Orantes said.

Costa Rica has a strong health system

Our country has great potential to have a solid health system with national access. Due to these characteristics, detailed care is given to mothers during pregnancy, which makes it possible to prevent – as much as possible – any problems during delivery and ensure care enough for him and his child or daughter.

According to Dr. María Fernanda Montero, pediatrician and neonatologist, premature babies need special care, including respiratory care from birth, keeping them comfortable and monitoring the temperature of their bodies. Many times they have to be admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or a Neonatology Unit.

“The work of families with a child is important during hospitalization. Early preparation is important, so that the mother, father and close relatives know about the operation, the evolution of the premature baby and even the place where the patient will be in the next few weeks. the following few; Also, the testimony of other parents who have gone through the same situation gives them knowledge and emotional support,” added Dr. Montero.

Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital, Located in Heredia, it presents best practices with families in the Department of Neonatology, including kangarooing or first skin-to-skin contact with the parents of a premature baby. Visits from other family members are also encouraged, for example, on Wednesday afternoon grandparents can visit the patient as part of the comprehensive support needed.

For Dr. Montero, all these actions give confidence in the process and prepare the parents to welcome their baby when it is ready to be in their home.

Fundaprema reaches homes

Having a premature baby represents a great psychological impact for families, because no one is ready to accept such a weak person.

Once this situation is the same, FUNDAPREMA recommends establishing a good communication with the medical team and nurses regarding the clinical condition of the baby; It also advises that mothers and fathers empower themselves and take an active role in skin-to-skin contact with the baby, as well as facilitating breastfeeding and learning how to change the baby’s diapers. they see him in the hospital.

According to Viviana Fernández, co-founder of the Premature Parents Foundation of Costa Rica, it is important to show the importance of providing targeted care to newborns and their families, as well as to infants premature, small and sick. .

“The sharing of personal experiences is very important for the learning of the professional groups that are responsible for these patients in a broad way, but, in fact, for the support of new families who are faced with this condition “, Fernandez said.

Discussing these steps is key to building primary care guidelines for premature infants. Also, it is important to invest as a country in specialized resources to care for this population and to strengthen human talent and staff in various areas, including nursing, rehabilitation, respiratory medicine and neonatology.