Lenmed Randfontein Private Hospital celebrated World Prematurity Day on Tuesday, 17 November.
Dr Amukelani Mthombeni, paediatrician at the hospital stated that one in every 10 babies are born prematurely.
“Some of the causes of prematurity are preventable, for example maternal illnesses, infections and some common problems of the womb. Emotional/ psychological stress has also been identified as a cause,” she said.
She added that most of the people in the community are not really clued up on what prematurity is and its associated complications.
The Neonatal ICU and Maternity Unit staff at Lenmed organised the event and the nurses, paediatrician and parents of the premature babies enjoyed the day.
Dr Mthombeni said the goal of the event was to raise awareness about prematurity and living with it, and to celebrate and give support to the parents and the babies who are on this journey.
The event covered topics like prematurity, causes of prematurity, complications of prematurity, feeding of premmies, and knowledge on how to support parents and babies.
“None of it is the parents’ fault. We see their hard work and we understand their stressful journey. We want to let them know that we care and are here to help,” Dr Mthombeni concluded.
