Donor milk critical for preemie care
Every year, 15 million babies are born premature worldwide, accounting for about one in 10 of all babies.
The urgent need for lactating mothers to donate breast milk for the care of premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was impressed upon the many mothers and fathers of preemie babies who attended the World Prematurity Day celebrations at Netcare Alberlito Hospital on Monday.
Breast milk takes over the role of the placenta to continue the baby’s development.
Every year, 15 million babies are born premature worldwide, accounting for about one in 10 of all babies.
More than one million of these babies die, and many more face serious, lifelong health challenges.
Having access to breast milk can dramatically increase their chances of overcoming these obstacles.
World Prematurity Day (November 17) aims to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families.
As Netcare Alberlito Hospital’s Christina Pillay began the event with a prayer and moment of silence for those preterm babies who did not make it, the atmosphere was one of love, remembrance and admiration.
Love for those who had endured a time of confusion and the chaos of having a baby arrive earlier than 40 weeks and admiration for the clear affection and love the doctors and nurses had towards essentially strangers in their time of need.
“I remember my husband would look at him from a distance, behind the surgical line – through the window,” said Nozipho, who is mom of Chumisa, born at 32 weeks. This was her first child and then to have him stay in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) came as a shock to the family.
Speakers went on to include a mum of twins who were turning nine months old the following day, Gugu Mazubane. Malik and Milani were born weighing a lightweight 1,7 kgs and 1kg respectively. Each mother who spoke shared her gratitude for the NICU nurses and doctors who supported them throughout this very critical time in their lives.
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