Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Vosloorus hosted the World Prematurity Day at the hospital auditorium hall on November 16.
The day is normally celebrated on November 17, but the hospital celebrated the day before its actual date because they felt since the 17th fell on the weekend, they won’t have the large attendance the hospital was hoping for.
Project manager Sr Ntombizodwa Tshabalala said they felt they needed to help the community by providing lessons about prematurity since it is a global challenge.
“Our monthly statistics show that the hospital admits 90 per cent of premature babies who take up to three months to reach the recommended weight of 1.7kg to 2kg. It became necessary to create information session to educate the community about prematurity, its relevance and causative factors,” said Tshabalala.
Tshabalala said the importance of breastfeeding was encouraged to mothers of premature babies.
Sr Abiola Oyedele of the neonatal ward said there were many causes for a mother to give birth to a premature baby.
“There are factors contributing to being prematurely born, such as infection, placental problems or genetic problems, but in many cases the causes are unknown,” said Abiola.
She added: “Certain events can stimulate the onset of premature labour including placental abruption, incompetent cervix, hormonal changes or infection. There are multiple risk factors for premature birth including having a previous premature birth, pregnancy with multiple babies, infection, drug or alcohol use, and age,” said Sr Abiola.
Mothers who gave birth to premature babies were given opportunities to share their testimonies and experiences on raising them.
Sr Tiny Mahlanya was given an opportunity to tell how to care for a premature baby.
She said: “While in the neonatal intensive care unit, your baby will likely receive fluids and nutrients through an intravenous (IV) catheter, and later start breast milk or formula feedings through a tube slid through his or her nose or mouth.
“In a warm room at home, dress your infant in only a diaper, then place the baby on your chest and turn your baby’s head to one side so that his or her ear is against your heart. Research shows that kangaroo care can enhance parent-child bonding, promote breastfeeding, and improve a preemie’s health,” said Mahlanya.
It was a fruitful day to those who attended as they got an opportunity to learn more about premature babies and their treatment
A moment of silence was observed with a candle lit to pay respect to all babies who were born premature, and some of who have died.
