New book for parents of premature babies

A NEW book written by the special care team at Holles
Street Maternity Hospital was launched by the Minister for Health, James
Reilly, last week.

‘Newborn Infants and the Special Care Baby Unit’ was
released to coincide with World Prematurity Day and is aimed at supporting
parents of babies who have been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

It offers parents an understanding of the equipment
used and the procedures and treatments their baby will undergo during this
eventful time.

The rate of Irish infants born prematurely is on the
increase, currently standing at 6.8 per cent, up from 5.7 per cent in 1999.

However, medical advances mean that the prognosis for
neonatal infants has increased significantly in recent years with babies as
immature as 23 weeks now surviving.

Minister Reilly commended Dr John Murphy, consultant
neonatologist and his team for putting together the booklet that he said would
be invaluable for the parents and families of children born prematurely.

According to Dr Murphy, November 17 , World
Prematurity Day, marked the importance of premature birth in society.

“Being born before time is the commonest serious
medical problem that is encountered in newborn infants,

? he said.

” The
premature baby is poorly adapted for independent life outside the womb,
particularly those born less than 32 weeks gestation.

“The

‘Newborn Infants in Special Care Book’ provides
parents with all the information they need during a time of great anxiety.

?

The book covers a range of topics including the
benefits of kangaroo care, a guide to neonatal equipment on the ward, the
psychological impact on the parents and how to safely handle and feed a new
baby. It also provides information on preparing a baby to go home and aftercare
when at home.

Copies of

‘Newborn Infants and the Special Care Baby
Unit’ are available to hospitals and parents free of charge and can be ordered
by calling Cow&Gate on 1800570570.