The Dominican Republic is a North American country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean. It shares a maritime border with Puerto Rico to the east and a land border with Haiti to the west, occupying the eastern five-eighths of Hispaniola which, along with Saint Martin, is one of only two islands in the Caribbean shared by two sovereign states. In the Antilles, the country is the second-largest nation by area after Cuba at 48,671 square kilometers (18,792 sq mi) and second-largest by population after Haiti with approximately 11.4 million people in 2024, of whom 3.6 million reside in the metropolitan area of Santo Domingo, the capital city.
There are three tiers of healthcare in the country:
- Subsidized regime, which is financed by the government for unemployed, poor, disabled and indigent people.
- Contributive regime, which is financed by workers and employers
- Contributive subsidized regime, which is financed by independent workers, technical workers, and self-employed people, but subsidized by the state[16]
Even those for whom care is supposedly provided may have to pay for medical supplies. However, considerable progress in health and overall development was experienced in the country. For instance, there is a substantial increase in health coverage in the nation that is the health insurance coverage from 23% in 2011 to 65% in 2015 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention n.p). Significantly, updating the list of beneficiaries was the major challenge since the list based on disease prioritization and financial sustainability. Therefore, the first fitness elements, such as migration, poverty education, and gender-based, should be considered in the strategy of hindrance suites.
Government expenditure on healthcare is about $180 per person per year, slightly more than half the average for the Latin American and Caribbean region.
Essentially, there are steps considered by healthcare in the Republic. Firstly, the sponsored organization that caters to the poor, unemployed, and disabled people. Also, the active personnel contained a contributive establishment. Though the low-classes are dependents, the majority of the population is independent on matters of health, according to the Dominican Republic (World Health Organization n.p). Therefore, government expenditure per person is slightly higher in the Dominican Republic compared to other states.
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_in_the_Dominican_Republic
- GLOBAL PRETERM BIRTH RATES – Dominican Republic
- Estimated # of preterm births: 11 per 100 live births/Global Average:
- Source- WHO Preterm Birth Rate (Per 100 Live Births)
- WHO Prematurity
- World Population Review
- WHO Country Consultation of Low and Preterm Birth Weight
- http://chartsbin.com/view/34987
European Standards of Care for Newborn Health/CALL TO ACTION
Europe needs new ideas and solutions to address the disparities in the care of preterm and ill babies. The European Standards of Care for Newborn Health project presents such a solution by providing European reference standards for this health care area.
With its transdisciplinary focus and international composition of the working groups, the project sets new benchmarks for the care of preterm and newborn babies and can serve as a role model for countries in Europe and worldwide. About 220 experts from more than 30 countries accepted to dedicate their free time to work on this ambitious project over several years. At the time of the launch of the standards, 108 healthcare societies and associations as well as 50 parent organisations have accepted EFCNI’s invitation to officially support the newly developed standards.
Through its multi-stakeholder approach, the perspective of parents, healthcare professionals, and relevant third parties were equally considered, aiming at identifying current best practice. Industry partners were involved in the project by supporting it financially. Their representatives could join the Chair Committee meetings in an observing role and they were welcome to share their knowledge and expertise without exerting influence. Initiated by patient (parent) representatives for patients, it is a true patient-centred project and, for the first time, patients were involved in absolutely every step in the development of the standards. All project participants work together in an open and respectful partnership to pave the way for change and set newborn health on the international and national agendas.
On a political level, addressing European Standards of Care for Newborn Health will stimulate a new debate that can help questioning existing structures, identify gaps and deficiencies, and advance national healthcare systems. To read the standards and to learn more about their development, please visit our project website European Standards of Care for Newborn Health.
On the project website, you also find further information like a project report, an information brochure or social media graphics.
The European Standards of Care for Newborn Health now available in Italian – Gli Standard Assistenziali Europei per la Salute del Neonato sono disponibili in italiano
The Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN) and Vivere ONLUS, the Italian National Coordination of Parents’ Associations, took the initiative to translate the standards into Italian, with Italy becoming the first European country to make this important document available in their national language. The first two sets of standards can be downloaded from our project page.
Call to Action for Newborn Health in Europe
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has been ratified by 196 countries and proclaims that “the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth”. Article 6 affirms every child has the right to life, survival, and development. Furthermore, children have a right to be cared for by their parents and should not be separated from them, as far as possible (Articles 7 and 9). However, upholding the Rights of the Child in reality remains a major challenge.
The European Standards of Care for Newborn Health help support these rights from the beginning of life by serving as a reference for the development and implementation of binding standards and guidelines on a national and international level. European and national policy makers, hospital administrators, insurers, professional and patient associations, and industry should work together to bring the standards into practice and to ensure quality, equity, and dignity for the smallest.
Download the Call to Action Brochures: The Call to Action is available in about 20 languages and can be downloaded here.
March of Dimes Named 2025 Labor Partner Charity of Choice for United Food and Commercial Workers International Union
News provided by March of Dimes Inc. Mar 18, 2025
ARLINGTON, Va., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — March of Dimes, the leading organization committed to improving the health of moms and babies, has been named the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union’s (UFCW) Labor Partner Charity of Choice for 2025. As UFCW’s designated national charity partner, March of Dimes and UFCW will work together to support and advocate for healthy pregnancies, strong families, and improved maternal and infant health outcomes in the US.
“For more than 85 years, March of Dimes has stood alongside labor unions to champion the health and well-being of working families,” said Cindy Rahman, President and CEO of March of Dimes. “Our partnership with UFCW builds on this proud legacy, strengthening our ability to advocate for policies, provide essential resources, and drive meaningful change to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. We will work together to ensure that every family—no matter where they live or work—has access to the care and support they need for a strong, healthy start.”
The US remains the most dangerous high-income nation for childbirth, earning a D+ for a third consecutive year in March of Dimes’ latest Report Card, which measures the state of maternal and infant health in the US. Through this partnership, UFCW and its more than 1.2 million members will have opportunities to engage in fundraising efforts, volunteer initiatives, and awareness campaigns aimed at addressing this growing crisis.
“The UFCW Charity Foundation is committed to supporting organizations that make a real difference in the lives of working families,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone. “March of Dimes has led the fight to improve maternal and infant health for decades, and we are proud to stand with them in this important work. By joining forces, we have the opportunity to help even more families access the care and resources they need for healthy pregnancies and strong futures.”
Partnering with labor unions to protect the health of working families is a cornerstone of March of Dimes’ mission. We’re honored to have strong and long-standing national and local partners like UFCW through our Labor of Love movement, which raises critical funds to pioneer research, advocate for change, and pave the way for greater equity to give all families the best possible start.
Before being named UFCW’s Charity of Choice, UFCW members have actively supported March of Dimes, raising over $3 million through golf outings, sporting clay events, auctions, and March for Babies teams. They have also uplifted the voices of their own members, like Daniel Scott of UFCW Local 1996, whose twins spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after a challenging pregnancy. For families like the Scotts, March of Dimes’ work is more than a cause—it’s a lifeline, ensuring that babies born too soon or facing complications receive the critical care they need.
For more information on how to get involved, visit https://www.marchofdimes.org/get-involved/partner/labor-union
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, education, and advocacy, and provide programs and services so that every family can get the best possible start. Since 1938, we’ve built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Follow us on social at @marchofdimes. SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.
Falling through the cracks: what happens to survivors of preterm birth?
Andrew Bush Anne Greenough Alvar Agustí
To the Editor:
Premature birth has consequences across the course of life, including reduced life-expectancy, and the most prematurely born have the worst outcomes [1, 2]. Survivors of prematurity have increased respiratory morbidity and mortality, airflow obstruction, asthma-like symptoms and COPD, and cardiovascular disease [1–4]. A history of prematurity is often not sought in adult clinics [5]. We hypothesised that the long-term consequences of prematurity are insufficiently appreciated, likely with detriment to patient care.
We used an online survey developed by a panel of neonatologists, paediatricians, allergologists and pulmonologists. The survey included 21 items addressing four main topics: 1) awareness level among respiratory care providers regarding the long-term respiratory risks of premature birth; 2) communication of neonatal information between different medical specialties; 3) healthcare journey of preterm babies to paediatricians and other respiratory care providers; 4) the knowledge gaps and potential solutions. The survey was customised to each specialty: seven items were for neonatologists only; three for paediatricians; one each for allergologists and respiratory consultants; five for paediatricians, allergologists, and respiratory consultants; and four for all specialties.
We invited 14 651 neonatologists, paediatricians, allergologists and respiratory consultants from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the USA to participate, excluding physicians with less than 2 years’ experience; 1002 (7%) responded. A web link was emailed from listings extracted from Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A and from proprietary databases of external healthcare providers. All had previously consented to email contact. Two email reminders were sent and incomplete surveys were rejected.
Sample size was opportunistic in the absence of data enabling a power calculation. The survey results were analysed using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Power BI. All items involved categorical answers, and absolute and relative frequencies were calculated. All frequencies were treated descriptively. No geographical comparisons were performed due to sample size limitations. The questionnaire is available on request from the corresponding author.
Results are summarised in figure 1. Of the 1002 respondents, 91% had been in practice for more than 5 years, and 62% were practising in an outpatient facility. In terms of specialities, 282 (28%) were neonatologists, 183 (18%) paediatricians, 290 (30%) allergologists, and 247 (24%) were respiratory consultants. Figure 1a shows that neonatologists regarded the presence of respiratory symptoms as being most important in the decision to refer. By contrast, for paediatricians, birth weight was the most important factor, irrespective of respiratory symptoms (figure 1b). All specialists highlighted that the most important gap was lack of clear recommendations for follow-up (figure 1c) and the need for continuing medical education programmes (figure 1d). Most (96%) respondents considered prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) risk factors for lung diseases in adulthood. Nevertheless, 74% of respondents perceived only moderate to very low awareness among colleagues. Adult pulmonologists perceived the lowest level (85%) of awareness among the specialties surveyed.
FIGURE 1
Reasons for neonatologists (a) and paediatricians (b) to refer preterm-born patients to a respiratory specialist. The gaps and potential solutions to improve the long-term respiratory care of preterm-born individuals are shown in (c) and (d). The bars show the percentage of participants who selected each option. NICU: neonatal intensive care unit; BPD: bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Most (77%) paediatricians “always” took a perinatal history, compared with allergologists (34%) and pulmonologists (21%). Irrespective of specialty, the proportion who always took this history increased with increasing years of clinical experience. Most (95%) neonatologists shared information on gestational age, birth weight, need for supplemental oxygen and respiratory support, BPD diagnosis and other lung sequelae of prematurity (>80%), and this was consistently reviewed by paediatricians (83%). This information was mainly through medical records (57%) and by oral communication (52%). Allergologists and respiratory consultants used feedback from other physicians (58% and 37%, respectively) and electronic medical records (43% and 26%, respectively) to gather neonatal information. They reviewed less neonatal information, although BPD diagnosis and lung sequelae were reviewed by 72% and 65% of allergologists and respiratory consultants, respectively.
Most neonatologists (99%) shared information with parents and caregivers, and more than 70% of paediatricians and allergologists received information from the caregivers. Only 59% of adult pulmonologists acknowledged receiving information from parents and caregivers.
Most neonatologists (70%) followed up preterm babies for two years, but 27% for only 1–2 years. Most (>75%) of all those surveyed, believed that premature babies should be followed up lifelong.
Most (>80%) allergologists modified clinical management, at least partially, if they were aware that the patient was born preterm. Only 60% of adult pulmonologists adapted management pathways in preterm survivors.
Most (>60%) respondents considered that preterm-born individuals and their parents and caregivers should be empowered to ensure they receive the best respiratory care. Other suggested initiatives were measuring lung function during follow-up from 5 years of age, streamlining access to the perinatal medical history and the development of a portable record with neonatal information. Going forward, the use of a lifelong electronic patient record, accessible to all who are involved in patient care, would likely greatly facilitate communication between specialist groups.
In summary, there is inadequate awareness of the importance of preterm birth for management across the life course; communication between specialist teams is inadequate; and there is lack of clear guidance as to how to follow-up preterm born survivors.
The European Respiratory Society [6], and the American Thoracic Society [7] have published guidelines with conditional recommendations on low strength evidence. However, the former only covered the follow-up of BPD survivors [6], and the latter were limited to the follow-up of preterm-born children and adolescents with respiratory symptoms [7]. These guidelines are limited, not least because we now know that the risk of compromised lung health later in adulthood exists even for early term born infants [4, 8, 9]. However very few paediatricians actually referred extremely preterm or low birth weight babies to a respiratory specialist. An international consensus on how to structure respiratory follow-up remains an unmet need [1, 10].
Most allergologists (80%) and adult pulmonologists (60%) modified diagnostic pathways and treatment approaches, at least partly, when they were aware the patient was born premature. Lack of appreciation of the implications of prematurity across the life course may lead to wrong treatment being prescribed. For example, school-age wheeze and variable airflow obstruction is common in preterm survivors [11]. Some may respond to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) [12] but in others there is no evidence of type 2 inflammation so they should not be treated with ICS [13]. They may have dysanaptic airway growth [14], which is known to be associated with poor outcomes in term-born children [15]. More work is needed to determine disease pathology in preterm survivors and to stimulate new research. Trials to stimulate lung development at birth and control airway inflammation in extremely premature babies are underway with stem cell-based therapies, insulin-like growth factor 1 and intratracheal surfactant/budesonide.
Proposed mitigation strategies to improve the current situation include better continuing medical education. Another is empowering patients and caregivers by supplying accurate information which they can ensure is available to subsequent caregivers, including during transition to adult services.
The main strength of the survey is that it includes >1000 physicians from different specialties and countries. There are some limitations. The overall response rate was relatively low, although similar to the British Thoracic Society survey [5], and there is a risk of selection bias. General practitioners were not invited, and this was a mistake given their role in follow-up care.
In conclusion, we need to increase awareness of the long-term implications of prematurity to ensure optimal follow-up for these babies, and design studies to obtain an evidence base for the development of improved guidelines.
Source:https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erjor/11/1/00643-2024
Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 – El Farolito (Live) (Video Oficial)
3 years ago #JuanLuisGuerra #ElFarolito #EntreMaryPalmeras
Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 – El Farolito (Live)
Imperforate Hymen: Continuing Education Activity
Houda M. Abdelrahman; Suzanne M. Jenkins; Michael P. Feloney.
Last Update: November 12, 2023.
When the hymen, a thin membrane of stratified squamous epithelium circumscribing the vaginal introitus, does not spontaneously rupture during neonatal development, it is referred to as an imperforate hymen. An imperforate hymen is a rare cause of primary amenorrhea and can present with obstructive symptoms of the female genital and urinary tracts during the perinatal, pediatric, or adolescent years. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical. Specific pediatric and gynecologic knowledge and skills are necessary to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. In addition to the anatomical and physiological aspects of imperforate hymen, its clinical presentation, and potential complications, the psychological impact on affected individuals must be understood. Best practices will ultimately improve patients’ quality of life and reproductive health outcomes. This activity reviews the evaluation and treatment of imperforate hymen and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in improving care for patients with this condition.
Continue for training and assessment!
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560576/
PREEMIE FAMILY PARTNERS
Preemie Dads Share About Their NICU Journeys
Jun 17, 2023
Spilling the Tea is an educational series for new preemie moms and dads brought to you by TEACUP Preemie Program®. These brief but in-depth videos will explore aspects of prematurity including emotional and mental effects, the NICU environment, breastfeeding & pumping, reclaiming attachment & bonding, and others. Preemie parents share their experiences through intimate video journals, and experts in infant development and prematurity offer guidance and information. Episode 3: Dads in the NICU, takes you through the emotional rollercoaster experienced by Beau, Chris, and Steve, three preemie dads who have been there. Get ready to be moved and inspired by their stories of resilience, love, and the extraordinary bond they formed with their little miracles.
Mitigating the iatrogenic psychological effects of medical care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and beyond is a moral and ethical imperative for quality healthcare delivery. Research has long established the lifelong effects of early childhood adversity, toxic stress, and the critical role of pediatric clinicians in addressing these challenges, and most recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a clinical report and policy recommendations for the adoption of a trauma-informed paradigm across all child health services. Provenzi and Montirosso confirm that preterm birth is an early adverse experience characterized by exposure to toxic stress and reduced access to the buffering effects of maternal care. Understanding the concepts of infant medical stress and its association with alterations in brain growth and development highlights the biological relevance of a trauma-informed developmental approach to care in the NICU and beyond.
Early life adversity, often mediated through relationships with caregivers, is associated with attachment disturbances, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and developmental trauma disorder (DTD) in survivors . Experiences of maternal separation and cumulative toxic stress within the NICU have profound implications for infants, families, and the healthcare team . Adversity during infancy is associated with significantly poorer health outcomes, risky health behaviors, and socioeconomic challenges . Parents, too, experience significant emotional and psychological distress, which can persist for decades, further reinforcing the need for trauma-informed approaches to care).
During sensitive and critical periods of development, the experiences associated with critical illness and hospitalization take on new meaning as they direct and disrupt biological processes in the wake of toxic stress. These biological processes, mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, have lifelong implications for an individual’s physiologic and psychological health and wellbeing . Maternal separation is the most significant trauma experienced by all newborn mammals, and preterm and critically ill newborns are no exception . Separation of mother and infant at just two days of age for 1 hour has been linked to a 176% increase in autonomic reactivity and an 86% reduction in quiet sleep . The experience of maternal separation in the NICU becomes the foundation for cumulative toxic stress exposures, ranging from inappropriate sensory stimuli to hazardous hospital routines that do not honor the personhood of the infant. These early stressors compound, leading to long-term health and developmental challenges.
Separation also has profound implications on the parent, leading to depression, anxiety, feelings of helplessness, loss of control, and posttraumatic stress, which may last for decades. These feelings can impact parenting behaviors and the capacity to partner with clinicians in caring for their infant. Understanding the interplay of physical and emotional health, economic and social resources, medical systems, and structural inequities is critical for co-creating compassionate, collaborative, and supportive relationships with infants, families, and clinicians in the NICU.
Trauma-Informed Care:
A trauma-informed approach realizes the pervasiveness of trauma in everyday life, recognizes its signs and symptoms in patients, families, colleagues, and self, and responds to trauma by integrating knowledge and evidence-based best practices that mitigate and prevent trauma into policies, procedures, and language; and resists re-traumatization by ensuring consistency and compassion in service delivery. The core principles of trauma-informed care—safety, trust and transparency, healthy relationships and interactions, empowerment, voice and choice, equity, anti-bias efforts, and cultural/gender affirmation—guide all interactions in the NICU.
Parenting is central to a trauma-informed approach, as caregivers play a fundamental role in mitigating the stress and trauma of early hospitalization. The research underscores the powerful buffering effect of parental presence, engagement, and nurturing care in reducing toxic stress responses and promoting infant resilience . When parents feel supported and empowered in their caregiving role, they experience lower stress levels, increased confidence, and enhanced bonding with their infant. This benefits the family’s emotional well-being during the NICU stay and has lasting implications for child development and attachment security.
The short-term outcomes of a trauma-informed parenting approach include improved neurodevelopmental stability, reduced incidences of apnea and bradycardia, and better weight gain trajectories for preterm infants. Additionally, trauma-informed care has been linked to greater autonomic stability, reduced stress hormone levels, and improved sleep patterns, all contributing to enhanced physiological regulation and early developmental progress . These immediate benefits lay the groundwork for stronger immune function and better feeding outcomes, helping infants build the resilience needed for longterm health and well-being . Parents who are actively involved in their infant’s care through practices such as skin-to-skin contact and responsive caregiving exhibit lower levels of anxiety and depression, leading to a healthier emotional environment for both the child and the family unit .
Long-term, trauma-informed parenting interventions significantly impact developmental trajectories, reducing the risk of cognitive delays, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral challenges in childhood . Secure attachment formed during these early interventions fosters resilience, social-emotional well-being, and stronger parent-child relationships well into adolescence and adulthood. Studies have also linked early trauma-informed care to improved educational outcomes and a reduced risk of mental health disorders later in life .
Providing parents with the knowledge, tools, and emotional support necessary to engage confidently in trauma-informed caregiving is critical in shaping the health and well-being of NICU graduates . By prioritizing the parent-infant dyad and leveraging evidence-based interventions, trauma-informed care offers a transformative model that extends far beyond the NICU walls, laying the foundation for lifelong resilience and well-being. When parents are given the resources to understand their infant’s cues, respond sensitively, and participate actively in care, they develop a sense of mastery and confidence that translates into more substantial, more secure attachments. This engagement benefits the infant’s immediate well-being and fosters a more compassionate, informed approach to parenting that can positively influence future generations.
Clinical Application of Trauma Informed Care:
Parent-driven interventions in the NICU center include parents as active participants in their baby’s care, fostering attachment and reducing trauma. One such intervention is The Zaky HUG®, a therapeutic device designed to extend the parent’s presence by mimicking their hands’ touch, warmth, and scent (Fig. 1). Created by a Ph.D. engineer and former NICU and kangaroo mother, this tool emerged from a deeply personal experience of neonatal hospitalization and has since been developed to support sleep, neuroprotection, attachment, developmental care, pain management, and parental involvement. This device helps create a comfortable, warm, and predictable environment, allowing infants to rest and sleep more peacefully. It is designed to provide the benefits of multiple tools, including positioning, nesting, soothing, and attachment.
Initially motivated by the need to provide connection, continuous comfort, and reduce the association of touch with pain and her own infant’s stress, the creator of this hand-mimetic device applied principles of ergonomics and safety engineering to design a device that fosters secure attachment, supports positioning, predictable experience for the infant, family, and clinicians.
Protected sleep is critical for neurodevelopment and overall well-being. Sleep is a primary driver of brain maturation, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation in preterm and critically ill infants. Interruptions to sleep can disrupt these critical processes, leading to increased stress responses, metabolic instability, and impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes. Ensuring a supportive sleep environment requires balancing between providing necessary medical interventions and minimizing disruptions to natural sleep cycles. Frequent repositioning, environmental disruptions, and inconsistent containment can negatively impact an infant’s sleep-wake cycles. Research by Russell et al. has shown that because these nurturing devices are versatile and work for positioning, nesting, attachment, soothing, and sleep support, they reduce the need for frequent repositioning, offering a stable, soothing environment that promotes restful sleep both during kangaroo care and while in the incubator or crib. These devices help infants transition between sleep states more smoothly, reducing startle reflexes and excessive wakefulness by providing gentle, consistent containment and proprioceptive support.
Additionally, they assist in creating a cocoon-like space that mimics the security of the womb, further enhancing sleep continuity and quality. Further, consensus guidelines advocate for supporting parents in providing frequent, safe, and prolonged skin-to-skin care, reinforcing the role of these interventions in achieving sleep protection . Research has also highlighted that skin-toskin contact improves sleep patterns, stabilizes respiratory rates, and reduces cortisol levels, mitigating the physiological impacts of stress. When infants experience uninterrupted, restorative sleep, they exhibit improved feeding behaviors, enhanced weight gain, and greater autonomic stability, all crucial for their long-term development.
The Pain and Stress Prevention and Management measure prioritizes proactive pain mitigation strategies. By minimizing stress and discomfort, infants can better participate in essential activities of daily living, such as feeding and movement, which further support their growth and development. The integration of non-pharmacologic interventions such as kangaroo care, proprioceptive input, and containment through trauma-informed devices significantly enhances an infant’s ability to self-regulate and cope with stress . Parents play a vital role in this process, providing direct comfort before, during, and after procedures. Studies show that utilizing familiar, comforting sensory stimuli, such as parental scent-infused devices, can effectively minimize procedural stress and discomfort, reinforcing the protective role of parental presence in the NICU.
Activities of Daily Living, including posture, nourishment, and hygiene, are essential to infant development. Establishing predictable and supportive care routines in these areas helps to create a sense of security and stability for infants, reducing stress and promoting optimal development. Ensuring infants receive proper postural support can facilitate musculoskeletal alignment, improve digestion, and reduce discomfort caused by medical interventions. Additionally, consistent caregiving routines help infants develop circadian rhythms, supporting sleep-wake cycles and overall well-being. Kangaroo care safety devices support proper postural alignment, promoting successful breastfeeding and early oral feeding behaviors. One pair of hand mimetic devices further enhances postural stability, allowing for individualized positioning without restricting movement, facilitating optimal comfort and developmental support. These devices can also provide gentle containment, mimicking the boundaries of the womb, which is particularly beneficial for preterm infants adapting to extrauterine life. Furthermore, integrating nurturing devices in caregiving practices encourages parental involvement in routine care activities, reinforcing their role and confidence in caring for their baby even in a high-tech NICU environment.
Finally, Compassionate Collaborative Relationships focus on emotional well-being, self-efficacy, and communication. Clinicians play a vital role in supporting these trauma-informed measures, ensuring that both parents and staff are equipped with the knowledge and tools to facilitate optimal trauma-informed developmental care. These trauma-informed interventions support neurodevelopment and empower parents, reinforcing their role as primary caregivers. By enabling continuous sensory presence and minimizing separation, these devices help establish a sense of predictability, safety, and emotional security for infants and their families. The research underscores the long-term benefits of these interventions, showing reductions in parental stress and anxiety while fostering stronger attachment and advocacy skills.
By integrating trauma-informed devices and caregiving practices, neonatal teams can transform the NICU experience, bridging the gap between medical excellence and human connection. As neonatal care continues to evolve, integrating trauma-informed interventions into everyday practice is not just beneficial—it is imperative for fostering lifelong resilience in the most vulnerable patients. Prioritizing the five core measures for trauma-informed developmental care ensures that every infant and family receives care that is not only evidence-based but also deeply compassionate and developmentally appropriate.
Summary: Recognizing the trauma experienced by babies and families in the NICU is the first step toward transforming and humanizing neonatal care. This recognition must be followed by meaningful action—integrating trauma-informed practices, supporting parental involvement, and embracing innovative, evidence-based products and solutions that prioritize the holistic well-being of infants and their families. Trauma-informed interventions, particularly those that integrate parental involvement and ergonomic design, provide a compassionate, evidence-based approach to mitigating the effects of early life adversity. By centering the voices of parents and clinicians while utilizing trauma-informed tools designed to enhance neurodevelopment and emotional security, we can reshape the NICU experience and the transition to home after discharge into one that fosters healing rather than deepens distress. By leveraging these nurturing strategies, clinicians can enhance infant and family well-being, improve healthcare outcomes and satisfaction, reduce the cost of care, and foster a culture of healing and resilience in the NICU.
This shift requires dedication from institutions, practitioners, and advocates who believe in the profound impact of early experiences. Investing in trauma-informed developmental care is not just a clinical imperative—it is a moral and ethical responsibility that holds the power to transform lives. The NICU should not only be a place of survival but also one of healing, connection, and love. Every baby, every family, and every clinician deserves an environment that nurtures the body and the soul, where science and compassion intersect to create the best possible start for our most vulnerable patients. Through thoughtful, evidence-based approaches, we can transform neonatal care into a support, compassion, and empowerment model for every infant and family. Now is the time to act—to advocate, to innovate, and to implement trauma-informed care that acknowledges the human experience behind every NICU admission. The smallest among us deserve the best care, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that their earliest moments are filled with safety, love, and hope.
Source: https://neonatologytoday.net/newsletters/nt-mar25.pdf
Preemie’s reaction to dad’s song is a miracle | Humankind #Shorts
Short and Long-Term Impact of Prematurity on the Siblings
CanadianPreemies Jun 25, 2021
The birth of a premature infant has a profound effect on the family and may require a large portion of parental time, attention, finances, and psychological support. During all this time, the sibling may feel confused and left out of the loop and may resent the amount of time the parents are away with the new infant in the NICU. If the preemie is found to have a disability, these issues are compounded as the parents may be grieving and require further time away to attend several appointments. In this session, Dr. Saigal will discuss strategies to support siblings of premature babies. Dr. Saroj Saigal is a neonatologist and a Professor Emerita at McMaster University, Canada. She is internationally recognized for her long-term studies to adulthood which focuses on the quality of life and consequences of having been born extremely prematurely. She has also participated as a collaborator in several multi-center randomized perinatal clinical trials. Dr. Saigal co-founded Adult Born Preterm International Collaboration (APIC) and invited collaborators from around the world who were doing studies on premature infants in adulthood to participate in data sharing. She is the recipient of many awards from the Canadian Pediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She was awarded the 2018 Virginia Apgar Award of the American Pediatric Society for distinguished contributions to perinatal medicine. She was also recognized by her alma mater with the McMaster Faculty of Health Sciences Community of Distinction Award, 2018.
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What if a single event could sway health, exercise capacity, learning style, social interactions, and even personal identities–yet individuals had no memory of the event? Adults born preterm are an under-recognized and vulnerable population. Multiple studies of individuals born prematurely, including our 35-year longitudinal study, have found important health concerns that adult healthcare providers should consider in their assessments. Concerns include increased rates of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, depression, anxiety and attention problems, lower educational attainment and frequency of romantic relationships. A Nordic study of over six million individuals found a linear relationship between gestational age and protection against early adult mortality, with preterm individuals showing 1⋅4 times increased likelihood of early mortality as full-term peers.
At the same time, surviving premature birth has become increasingly common. For the last several decades, nearly one in nine U.S. babies is born early, and now more than 95% survive. Global prevalence and survival data indicate more than 15 million preterm birth survivors annually reach adulthood. This suggests a new population of individuals with emerging healthcare needs for adult health providers.
Birth history should be part of every patients’ medical record.5 Due to the varied risks and prevalence of premature birth, all healthcare practitioners should be aware of the potential for long-term effects. With one in ten 30-year-old patients born preterm, clinical specialists who treat long-term complications of prematurity (i.e., neurology, psychiatry, cardiology) may have more preterm-born patients. Recognizing preterm birth as a cumulative, lifelong risk factor is the first step.
As clinicians and researchers, we have observed the medical community, like society at-large, tends to view prematurity as a health event localized to infancy-something kids outgrow. Ironically, some pediatric providers report limited training and understanding of health complications for children born preterm, and little evidence exists regarding adult practitioners’ knowledge to care for these adults. Preliminary adult primary care guidelines were recently created to screen and manage prematurity-related health complications.
Health risks from prematurity are also risks to equality and justice. Women who bear social risk factors are more likely to give birth early. This includes Black women, those living in socio-economically depressed areas, and women with two or more Adverse Childhood Experiences. The many arms of racism and caste-based inequalities can complicate and worsen the health of people already at risk from preterm birth.
Attention also needs to be drawn to the prematurity research community. To date, research has focused on younger age groups and predominantly White populations. Future research needs to seek out ethnically diverse populations and comprehensively examine potential lifecourse complications of early birth. This is especially important when considering how socioeconomic factors may influence the allostatic load of individuals.
For many born preterm, prematurity is not just a health concern, it’s a matter of who they are. Their perception of health over time, or health related quality of life (HRQL), is a critical outcome. To date, this evidence varies with age, degree of prematurity and reporter; clinicians and parents tend to rate HRQL more negatively than survivors. Preterm-born individuals may not have event memories but, early birth repercussions can reverberate through family narratives and unique life experiences. Some identify as typically developed individuals who happen to have been born early, others as functional and well-adapted “preemies”, and others see prematurity as having colored their lives in negative ways. As prematurity researchers, we aim to uncover and bring awareness to the health outcomes and risks from early birth. A critical need exists for more evidence about adult health following preterm birth and yet, how do we protect individuals with statistically increased risk without unnecessarily pathologizing them?
In clinical practice and research settings, we can take the opportunity to listen to people who were too young as patients to speak for themselves but have riveting and complex stories about preterm birth’s effects. We are aware of just one other published qualitative study about the experiences of adults born preterm. Because most adult healthcare providers have yet to acknowledge and factor this experience into patient care, individuals born preterm are finding alternative avenues to be seen. Adults born preterm report seeking online community and support, connecting globally with people over shared early life experiences, while simultaneously making their needs and identities known.
As a research team, we strive to avoid labels for people born early but have nonetheless found that they are, in often subtle ways, a special group. They beat the odds as infants. Their birth and subsequent survival affected their families and communities in unprecedented ways. As clinicians and researchers, we can attend to the health risks of those born premature while acknowledging and celebrating their unique strengths and perspectives, often resulting from their early life experiences.
Source:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9186090/
Fellows Column: The Quiet Strength of The Toybox Inn 11
Kevin Kafaja, MS III
As a third-year medical student, I had rotated through cardiac, neuro, and general ICUs. Each one buzzed with alarms and urgency, charged with adrenaline. But the NICU was different. It didn’t scream. It whispered.
My mother is a pediatrician, and I spent much of my childhood in the corners of her clinic—listening in on patient visits and soaking in the soft rhythm of care. I thought I understood Peds. But the NICU was something else entirely. It was intimate. Intentional. There were hours of serenity—gentle beeping monitors, quiet footsteps—but the stillness could break in an instant. A desaturation alarm. A sudden change. A Code White echoed overhead, and then the team would move—fast, focused, all hands in motion.
That’s where I met her—in the corner of the NICU, they lovingly called Toybox Inn 11, home to some of the tiniest, most vulnerable patients. Her crib was tucked neatly within that space, surrounded by soft blankets, daily goal charts, and quiet victories.
She was born on January 9th at just 31 weeks and 1 day, weighing 940 grams. Her mother’s pregnancy had been complicated— monochorionic diamniotic twins, Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS), and maternal hyperthyroidism managed with antithyroid medication. She was delivered via C-section under emergent conditions, including ruptured membranes and maternal fever. She required a partial exchange transfusion and respiratory support on 100% FiO₂ shortly after birth.
When I met her on March 5th—Day of Life 55—she had already fought through respiratory distress syndrome, anemia of prematurity, hyperbilirubinemia, and bradycardic spells. She was breathing room air, feeding fully by mouth, and steadily gaining strength. She was growing stronger, one quiet breath at a time.
In my mind, I called her The Little Engine. I loved toy cars growing up—tiny vehicles that raced like giants. She reminded me of that: small but full of force. Her strength wasn’t loud. It was steady. Unshakable.
At first, I was cautious. How do you care for someone so small? But the NICU team showed me—how to cradle her safely, how to monitor her saturation, how to read her tone and anticipate spells. She’d had a few brief episodes—one during a feed, another while asleep—but none in the final 72 hours before discharge.
The Toybox wasn’t just a clinical space. It was a nursery in progress. A pink blanket draped above her crib. A chart titled “My Day” tracked goals and daily wins. Books sat at her bedside— Goodnight Moon and When I Grow Up I Want to Be…, the latter filled with colorful flaps. I’d read it while keeping watch, wondering who she might become and what her future might hold.
Around her were all the quiet markers of care: diapers, wipes, a milk warmer, and an infant stethoscope. Her corner of Toybox Inn 11 was filled with love and progress, written in the smallest details.
Every Wednesday, during interdisciplinary rounds, we reviewed her journey: apnea monitoring, growth tracking, iron and Epoetin for anemia, and feed progression—35 mL of fortified formula every 3 hours. Her hemoglobin held at 9.9, and her reticulocyte count was strong at 5.4. She crossed the 2000-gram milestone. Each marker is a step closer to going home.
Her mother was a constant presence—gentle and calm. Watching her feed and hold her daughter reminded me that medicine begins not with machines but with presence.
She stayed in the NICU for 2 months and 8 days, and on March 18th, she went home—discharged at 40 weeks and 6 days corrected age, weighing 2170 grams. Her final measurements were length 43 cm, head circumference 34 cm, and abdominal girth 27 cm. She left wrapped in pink, lying in her open crib, breathing independently on room air.
Her discharge plan included a high-calorie formula, follow-up with her pediatrician for weight and EPO management, appointments at the High-Risk Infant Clinic, and a referral to the Regional Center within 1–2 months. I was there the day she left. I watched her resting peacefully in her open crib, bundled and ready to go. Her parents arrived later after I had already stepped away. But when I heard she had gone home—to reunite with her twin brother—it felt like a quiet victory. One we all shared.
In The Toybox, I learned that strength doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it weighs just over two kilograms, sleeps under a pink blanket, and softly breathes while growing stronger every day.
She was my patient. But more than that, she was my teacher. And in that quiet corner of the NICU, I learned that even the smallest hearts can leave the most lasting marks.
Source:https://neonatologytoday.net/newsletters/nt-mar25.pdf
Highlights
– Adults born preterm report experiences of social exclusion such as being bullied
– They report high sensitivity, reduced stress resilience and tire more easily
– Many report that family, peer and mental health support has helped them most
– Prematurity should be recognized as lifelong condition by health professionals
– Many express gratitude for their life and lead a good life
Abstract
Background
Adults born preterm face greater social, cognitive, mental and physical challenges in adulthood than their full term born peers according to longitudinal studies. In contrast, little is known about the lived experiences of adults born preterm.
Objective
The study investigates the lived experiences of adults born preterm across the life course and their views on health care support.
Methods
A qualitative study of 21 participants completing semi structured interviews analyzed through content analysis.
Results
Over half of adults born preterm report trauma and feeling of otherness since early childhood, high sensitivity to the environment, higher introversion/shyness and social or performance related anxiety. Over half reported that their parents were traumatized by the preterm birth and tried to compensate by overprotective parenting that, however, stifled them becoming independent. Over half experienced bullying victimization and many have continuing mental health problems. Overload by demands in school or work is a consistent theme that makes it hard to have the energy to socialize. Many received physical therapy in childhood and most had psychotherapy in adulthood. Many feel that health professionals trivialize the long-term effects of prematurity and most find support from their parents or peer network.
Conclusions
Prematurity has significantly shaped the life of adults born preterm. Greater awareness and recognition of the unique needs of this group are essential to provide adequate support. Existing services fail to address these needs highlighting an urgent demand for enhanced social and psychological services for educational and workplace settings.
Full Study
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378378225000581
INNOVATIONS
Top 10 Neonatology Startups with Cutting-Edge Medical Devices
Magdalena Sroka, Content Writer 30.08.2024
Neonatology startups aim to take care of newborns, especially premature babies. These highly vulnerable beings require exceptional care, as even the smallest changes can significantly impact their health and development. Sometimes, even the experience and knowledge of doctors aren’t enough to save the little one. Therefore, in a world where technology plays an increasingly vital role, neonatology startups become invaluable support for medical care. By combining advanced technology with specialized knowledge, it is possible to provide newborns, particularly those born prematurely, with the best care and a chance for a healthy start in life.
Necessity is the mother of invention. When designing medical devices for newborns, it is crucial to remember that they will serve the most fragile patients. This often requires an unconventional and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. In this article, we present 10 neonatology startups, whose innovative ideas have the potential to transform this field of medicine.
Neonatology Startups Which Can Shape The Future
- AMNION LIFE
Amnion Life is working on an advanced incubator called AmnioBed, designed to replicate the conditions inside the womb. The goal is to support the development of premature infants by regulating temperature, protecting the skin, and managing fluids. The device is intended to provide warmth, humidity, and protection to newborns in a way that prevents hypothermia and water loss.
- PRAPELA
Founded in 2018, Prapela is a startup developing a device that uses vibrations to improve breathing patterns and sleep in newborns. This is aimed at helping stabilize breathing and oxygenation, particularly in infants suffering from apnea, intermittent hypoxemia, and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS).
- PEDIAFEED
PediaFeed’s mission is to improve the feeling process for newborns who struggle with it. The company is developing a special type of tube for neonatology and pediatric patients, which minimizes the risk of tube displacement. It is also designed to be easy to insert and remove both in hospitals and at home, while causing minimal discomfort to the baby. Without proper nutrition it is hard to provide a healthy development.
- PREGANBIT PRO
This startup has developed a telemedical device for monitoring fetal well-being through cardiotocography (CTG). The portable device enables remote diagnostics and allows regular monitoring of the health of both mother and baby, including fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. Thanks to this technology, women can perform tests at home between medical visits, with results being transmitted and analyzed by doctors. Pregnabit Pro aims to enhance early detection of potential risks, increase pregnancy safety, and provide peace of mind to expectant mothers.
- ZOUNDREAM
Zoundream utilizes artificial intelligence and sound recognition to develop technology that can identify and interpret different types of newborn’s cries. The technology not only focuses on distinguishing the baby’s needs (hunger, tiredness) but is also capable of alerting parents to potential pathologies or developmental disorders. Zoundream’s goal is to provide a tool that enables faster responses to an infant’s needs while offering better support for parents.
- VENTORA
Ventora aims to create a device that allows precise real-time monitoring of airway pressure in newborns. The company is working on a solution that improves the process of mechanical ventilation while minimizing the risk of complications associated with traditional ventilation. Additionally, Ventora’s device is designed to assist in selecting the best therapy for the youngest patients.
- OTONEXUS
OtoNexus is a startup developing a diagnostic device (in the form of an otoscope) to detect middle ear infections and distinguish their origins in children and infants. The technology behind it is based on ultrasound, which enables quick and precise diagnosis, helping doctors make informed treatment decisions. Moreover, this approach could reduce the number of misdiagnosed and unnecessary antibiotic treatments.
- BAMBI MEDICAL
Bambi Medical has developed a wireless system for monitoring the vital signs of newborns, such as breathing, pulse, and temperature. Their solution replaces traditional invasive methods that rely on wires and cables. This provides greater comfort and freedom of movement for preterm infants, and is also gentler on the skin. The device sends data to the NICU monitor and alarm system, collected via a silicone strap placed on the baby’s chest, and alerts when apnea occurs.
- PREEMIE SENSOR
Preemie Sensor is working on an advanced device to analyze breast milk for nutrient content, specifically measuring fat, protein, and caloric value. The sensor is paired with software, allowing for the monitoring and optimization of nutrient intake by babies. Ensuring proper nutrition reduces the likelihood of complications associated with prematurity.
- OWLET BABY CARE
Owlet Baby Care is a startup specializing in the creation of smart devices for supervising the vital signs of infants, such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels. The data is collected via socks worn on the baby’s foot and then displayed in a mobile app. This technology provides continuous monitoring, giving parents peace of mind and a chance to feel less stressed and anxious.
Summary
The solutions developed by these neonatology startups not only make it easier to monitor and manage the health of the youngest patients, but also enhance the safety and comfort of both children and their parents. Although not all devices are available on the market yet. Some are awaiting certification, yet they offer hope for saving more premature babies. Thanks to these innovations, the future of neonatal care is becoming increasingly promising, bringing relief and peace of mind to families around the world. Good job startupers! 🫶
If you’re interested in supporting or helping shape the future of neonatal care, don’t hesitate and get in touch with us!
Source:https://consonance.tech/blog/top-10-neonatology-startups-medical-devices/
New evidence from a world-leading Victorian study following premature babies into adulthood shows that babies born before 28 weeks’ gestation are doing surprisingly well as young adults in their twenties.
In a paper published in PEDIATRICS, new data released from the Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS) 1991-92 cohort reveals insights from the 25-year point of the long-term study.
The study, co-led by the Royal Women’s Hospital and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), shows that extremely prematurely born adults are just as likely to have completed secondary school, be in paid work, and be in a romantic relationship, compared to their peers born at full term.
Dr Lauren Pigdon, Research Officer at MCRI, analysed the new data from the unique Australian geographic cohort who were recruited at birth and followed for 25 years.
“A strength of this study is that it represents the earliest survivors of the post-surfactant era to navigate the transition into adulthood and fills a gap in knowledge,” Dr Pigdon said.
The introduction of exogenous surfactant in the early 1990s was a game changer in treating respiratory distress syndrome in newborn intensive care. Since then, there has been a dramatic rise in survival of infants born extremely preterm (younger than 28 weeks’ gestation) or with extremely low birthweight (less than 1000g).
With increased survival rates of even the tiniest babies, concerns arose that these tiny babies might have increased chances of health and developmental problems as children and adults. And that this may in turn have an impact on their transition into adult life. But is this true?
“Our data paints a positive and encouraging picture,” Dr Pigdon said. “There were minimal group differences in self-reported general interpersonal relationships, satisfaction with different aspects of life, and current smoking behaviour.”
However, Professor Jeanie Cheong, Consultant Neonatologist at the Women’s and Co-Group Leader of the Victorian Infant Brain Studies group at MCRI, said there were some differences between the groups.
“More adults born extremely preterm had their main income source from government financial assistance and more had not yet moved out of the parental home compared with their peers born full term,” Professor Cheong said.
“Data from the past 25 years has allowed us to look at how, over time, care has improved for Victoria’s youngest and most vulnerable patients,” Professor Cheong said.
“While survival rates have gone up, we now also know that these babies have the chance to become fully functional members of our society.
“Findings from our study are relevant when counselling families after their baby is born, to put into perspective what the long-term outcomes may mean for their child.”
Meet Duane:
Duane has certainly grown up since he was born extremely premature at 26 weeks’ gestation in March 1992. He weighed only 886 grams at birth.
“I was so tiny that my father’s wedding ring could fit all the way up my arm to my shoulder,” Duane remembers.
After a happy and normal childhood, Duane completed high school and became a competitive slalom skier, trying out for the Australian National Team. While he is an experienced downhill racer avoiding major obstacles, Duane faced a few health issues and injuries in his early 20s.
Duane is now a professional skiing and snowboard instructor. He follows the snow seasons and enjoys living and working abroad. He spent a long time in Austria, where he completed a sports diploma in Innsbruck, and now speaks German fluently.
Currently, Duane is keen for his torn ACL in the knee to heal. Then he plans to hit the slopes again and has offers to work in the USA, Japan and Europe.
134 Imperforate hymen: considerations for an early diagnosis
British Association of General Paediatrics
Bushra Rafique1, Hamid Idriss2, Rajesh Bagtharia3, Premilla Kollipara3, Geeta Subramanian3
Abstract
Objectives: Imperforate hymen (IH) is one of the most common obstructive congenital anomalies of the female genital tract. In this condition the hymen occludes the vaginal opening obstructing effluent discharge. Early diagnosis is possible, as new-born vaginal secretions stimulated by maternal oestrogen cause hymenal bulge, which is an abnormal finding.
The aim of this abstract is to highlight potentially missed opportunities for a neonatal diagnosis of IH. Delayed presentations are associated with significant morbidity such as chronic and severe abdominal pain, acute urinary retention, obstructive uropathy and endometriosis.
A full physical examination of the new-born within 72 hours after delivery is the required standard of the New-born and Infant Physical Examination Screening Programme (NIPE) and National Institute of clinical Excellence (NICE) quality standard 37, statement 7. This includes anogenital examination looking at patency of orifices at birth and at 6 weeks check.
Methods: We conducted a survey, using Survey Monkey portal with the objective to review current clinical practice in postnatal examination. The link was distributed via WhatsApp and email to paediatric trainees, general practice trainees and clinical fellows at our trust and London wide.
Responses were collected over 12 weeks. Following questions were asked looking for a yes or no response.
– Do you perform a genital examination in NIPE?
– Are you aware that NIPE recommends complete examination of the genitals to check for normal
appearance and patency?
– Do you examine for hymenal opening in female babies by separating labia?
– Are you aware of the findings in imperforate hymen?
– Are you aware of the consequences of delayed diagnosis of imperforate hymen?
– Have you ever picked up an imperforate hymen in neonatal examination?
Results: Out of 220 doctors, 132 responded to the survey questions which resulted in a 60% response rate.87.8% performed a genital examination as a part of NIPE.78.7% were aware that normal patency and appearance of the genitals must be checked. Only 25.7% were examining hymenal opening by separating the labia majora and 35.6% were aware of the findings of IH. 7 out of 132 doctors had made a diagnosis in the neonatal examination. 60% were aware of consequences of a delayed diagnosis.
Conclusion: Our survey highlights insufficiencies in female new-born genital examination. There is a need for increased awareness amongst clinicians about this condition, as there exists a window of opportunity to make an early diagnosis and minimise suffering and morbidity.
Source: https://adc.bmj.com/content/108/Suppl_2/A103.2
UNESCO Global Youth Community
Preemie Power: Global Voices, Lasting Impact
🌍 WARRIORS: A Global Conversation for Preemie Survivors
Premature birth doesn’t end at discharge—it echoes throughout life. As survivors, we are not defined by our early start—we are defined by our strength, our resilience, and the legacy we choose to build. From the NICU to adulthood, our stories carry both scars and strength. And now, more than ever, the world needs our voices.
The NW Warriors community reflects a growing global collective—of preemie survivors, families, clinicians, researchers, and advocates—who recognize that prematurity is not a condition left behind in infancy. It is a thread woven into identity, healthcare, and social equity across the lifespan. Whether you were born early, raised a NICU warrior, or cared for one—you are part of a movement greater than any diagnosis.
💥 Why the Warrior Movement Matters
Prematurity is not just a medical event—it’s a lifelong journey. Survivors grow into athletes, educators, scientists, artists, and caregivers. Some carry physical or emotional complications. Others carry memories of separation, struggle, or stigma. All carry a story of endurance.
This is a historic moment. For the first time, the world is witnessing a full generation of NICU survivors reaching adulthood in global numbers. Their experiences bring urgency to overlooked conversations—on trauma-informed care, long-term health, and identity. Their insights are reshaping how neonatal care is defined, not just in the early days, but across the life course.
We are not just patients.
We are architects of change.
We are storytellers.
We are warriors.
🌐 A Growing Global Dialogue
Across countries and cultures, NICU survivors and neonatal communities are coming together. We are asking new questions:
- What does it mean to be born too soon—and grow into your power?
- How can we center survivor experiences in clinical and policy conversations?
- What role does memory, trauma, or advocacy play in healing?
- How do we recognize preterm birth not just as a medical statistic, but as a lived reality that shapes lives and futures?
There is no single answer. But there is space for all of us here. Some find their power through writing, art, research, or mentorship. Others speak through quiet acts of presence and parenting. Some fight for structural change. Others simply want to be heard, held, and understood.
What unites us is this:
We were born into adversity—and we rise with intention.
🛡️ Rewriting the Narrative
As adults born preterm, or as families and clinicians who lived that journey, we are no longer hidden in hospital charts or lost in long-term data. We are here—visible, vocal, and unafraid to lead.
This movement doesn’t require permission. It begins in honest conversations, in shared memory, in reclaiming our stories from silence. It grows as we listen to each other, uplift survivor narratives, and demand that care systems honor the full trajectory of human life.
We are not asking for pity. We are offering power.
We are not defined by fragility. We are evidence of strength.
We are not waiting. We are rising.
✊ Join the Conversation
Wherever you are—in policy, in practice, in healing, in hope—this conversation is yours. The warrior journey is not just about what we survived. It’s about what we build next.
#NWWarriors #PreemieStrong #GlobalNICU #BornToLead #EchoesOfPrematurity
With love, Kathryn
Building Community: Mohamed Anowar´s Youth Environment
MEET THE YOUNG CLIMATE PRIZE COHORT! After Mohammed Anowar fled Myanmar with his family to a refugee camp in Bangladesh, he saw hundred of trees being cut down and decided to start a climate hub. The Community Climate Action Initiative aims to tackle pressing climate challenges such as heatwaves, landslides, and flooding through a multifaceted approach. The project includes a Tree Planting Campaign designed to combat deforestation and mitigate heat impacts by increasing local green cover. Complementing this, Climate Awareness Sessions are held to educate community members in the Kutupalong refugee camp about climate change and effective resilience strategies. Additionally, Youth Leadership Training is provided to equip young leaders with the skills needed to advocate for climate action and promote sustainable practices. The initiative is expected to yield a range of positive outcomes, including an improved local environment, heightened climate awareness, and a cadre of empowered youth spearheading climate resilience efforts in the community.
I Am We, A Book of Community
The Neonatal Womb Warriors 