World Prematurity Day is observed every year on November 17 to raise awareness about the challenges women face with their babies when they are born preterm, which occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy as it is meant to last about 40 weeks. UNICEF said in the latest report that preterm birth is a leading cause of death among children under the age of five. Preterm cases have several risk factors, including immature lungs, difficulty regulating body temperature, poor feeding, slow weight gain, delicate digestive systems, and more.&nbsp;

<h2>Nutrition of preterm babies&nbsp;</h2>

An estimated 15 million babies, which means one in 10, are born prematurely worldwide every year — which highlights the magnitude of this lesser-addressed problem. Babies born&nbsp;preterm need special and tailored nutrition that meets their unique dietary needs for growth and development. The nutritional plans should be personalised, catering to the baby's age, weight, and specific health issues.&nbsp;

The world strives to find solutions and opportunities to address preterm birth and sick newborn care.

There's a need to come up with practical approaches to spread awareness to the grassroots levels.

To understand the issues in depth, WION spoke to experts so that their experiences with patients became a lesson for all the mothers who struggle.

Dr Preetha Joshi, consultant, neonatal, pediatric and cardiac intensivist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, said that preterm babies have more nutritional needs than term babies.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-world-prematurity-day-2023-expert-advices-families-to-give-kangaroo-care-for-preterm-infants-659700">Expert advices families to give Kangaroo Care for preterm infants</a>&nbsp;

<h2>'Nutrition emerges as a cornerstone'&nbsp;</h2>

Dr Siva Narayan Reddy Vennapusa, DCH, DNB, Consultant - Neonatology &amp; General Pediatrics at Rainbow Children's Hospital, Secunderabad, said that the importance of nutrition emerges as a "cornerstone in nourishing the growth of our tiny patients in the complicated terrain of preterm care".&nbsp;

He said that in such cases, every moment is a "delicate ballet of medical knowledge and caring dedication".

He said, "As a doctor traversing this complex path, my viewpoint extends beyond the clinical domain to an intense dedication to building solid foundations for these little patients."&nbsp;

Emphasising the precise orchestration of micro and macronutrients, he said that the task of proper nutrition has become both an art and a science. Optimal preterm nutrition involves an active combination of evidence-based solutions and personalised care and not just a list of vitamins and minerals.&nbsp;

He said, "Every decision is an investment in the future well-being of these premature babies, from the careful balance of breast milk fortifiers to the perfect timing of introducing nutrient-rich foods."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-medical-expert-reveals-how-urinary-incontinence-ui-can-be-treated-with-physiotherapy-659651">Medical expert reveals how Urinary Incontinence (UI) can be treated with physiotherapy</a>

<h2>What to add to their diet?&nbsp;</h2>

For preterm babies, mother's milk should be the first choice as it has many benefits, particularly colostrum which is the first milk produced.

Dr Joshi also said that for very preterm infants, total parenteral nutrition might be necessary, delivering essential nutrients intravenously. "This method carries risks like bloodstream infections and is therefore administered in a protocolised manner in Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units only," she said.&nbsp;

To support the mothers, supporting mothers can provide expressed breast milk, which may be the most important intervention available for preterm infants.

Experts have noted that feeding with expressed human milk reduces the risk of serious infection, which is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in preterm infants in developing countries.&nbsp;

Dr Joshi said that most term babies require about 85 to 100 calories per kilogramme of body weight, but preterm infants need more, they mostly require slightly higher energy, 105-135 kcals per kilogramme per day. "These extra calories help the baby catch up to reach a healthier height and weight," she said, further adding that caloric intake is important as premature infants require more calories than full-term babies to support their rapid growth.&nbsp;

"A higher intake of protein is also vital for the development of organs and muscles. Fats play a critical role in brain development and are often supplemented in preterm infants to ensure adequate growth. Vitamins and minerals are required in greater amounts due to the accelerated growth rate of preterm infants, particularly for bone development," Dr Joshi told WION.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-letter-writing-and-mental-well-being-why-companies-should-encourage-employees-to-adopt-this-habit-657316">Letter writing and mental well-being: Why companies should encourage employees to adopt this habit</a>

<h2>Kangaroo care, bonding, and more</h2>

Not just the diet, Dr Vennapusa weighed in on an important aspect which goes beyond physical. He said it involves the emotional and psychological components that are essential for overall growth. "Our advice as doctors extends beyond formula and feeding tubes to areas such as parental education, compassionate communication, and creating a supportive atmosphere," he said.&nbsp;

He said that the value of kangaroo care, bonding via shared experiences, and parental warmth. "In this holistic approach, medical expertise converges with the deeply human elements of care, recognising the intricate interplay of physical, emotional, and developmental well-being for our tiniest patients," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/diabetes-awareness-month-expert-reveals-how-homeopathy-can-help-diabetic-patients-maintain-sugar-levels-657369">Expert reveals how homeopathy can help diabetic patients maintain sugar levels</a>

<h2>What should be done post-discharge?&nbsp;</h2>

Dr Joshi highlighted the importance of care once the babies are discharged from hospitals.

She said, "Post-discharge, these infants often have nutritional deficits, requiring supplements like iron and vitamins, and possibly protein and energy-enriched formula milk."

She added that they also need very close growth and development monitoring over the first 3-5 years of life by a dedicated multispecialty high-risk follow-up team.&nbsp;

World Prematurity Day is observed every year on November 17 to raise awareness about the challenges women face with their babies when they are born preterm, which occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy as it is meant to last about 40 weeks.

World Prematurity Day is observed every year on November 17 to raise awareness about the challenges women face with their babies when they are born preterm, which occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy as it is meant to last about 40 weeks. UNICEF said in the latest report that preterm birth is a leading cause of death among children under the age of five. Preterm cases have several risk factors, including immature lungs, difficulty regulating body temperature, poor feeding, slow weight gain, delicate digestive systems, and more. Nutrition of preterm babies An estimated 15 million babies, which means one in 10, are born prematurely worldwide every year — which highlights the magnitude of this lesser-addressed problem. Babies born preterm need special and tailored nutrition that meets their unique dietary needs for growth and development. The nutritional plans should be personalised, catering to the baby's age, weight, and specific health issues. The world strives to find solutions and opportunities to address preterm birth and sick newborn care. There's a need to come up with practical approaches to spread awareness to the grassroots levels. To understand the issues in depth, WION spoke to experts so that their experiences with patients became a lesson for all the mothers who struggle. Dr Preetha Joshi, consultant, neonatal, pediatric and cardiac intensivist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, said that preterm babies have more nutritional needs than term babies. Also read: Expert advices families to give Kangaroo Care for preterm infants 'Nutrition emerges as a cornerstone' Dr Siva Narayan Reddy Vennapusa, DCH, DNB, Consultant - Neonatology & General Pediatrics at Rainbow Children's Hospital, Secunderabad, said that the importance of nutrition emerges as a "cornerstone in nourishing the growth of our tiny patients in the complicated terrain of preterm care". He said that in such cases, every moment is a "delicate ballet of medical knowledge and caring dedication". He said, "As a doctor traversing this complex path, my viewpoint extends beyond the clinical domain to an intense dedication to building solid foundations for these little patients." Emphasising the precise orchestration of micro and macronutrients, he said that the task of proper nutrition has become both an art and a science. Optimal preterm nutrition involves an active combination of evidence-based solutions and personalised care and not just a list of vitamins and minerals. He said, "Every decision is an investment in the future well-being of these premature babies, from the careful balance of breast milk fortifiers to the perfect timing of introducing nutrient-rich foods." Also read: Medical expert reveals how Urinary Incontinence (UI) can be treated with physiotherapy What to add to their diet? For preterm babies, mother's milk should be the first choice as it has many benefits, particularly colostrum which is the first milk produced. Dr Joshi also said that for very preterm infants, total parenteral nutrition might be necessary, delivering essential nutrients intravenously. "This method carries risks like bloodstream infections and is therefore administered in a protocolised manner in Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units only," she said. To support the mothers, supporting mothers can provide expressed breast milk, which may be the most important intervention available for preterm infants. Experts have noted that feeding with expressed human milk reduces the risk of serious infection, which is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in preterm infants in developing countries. Dr Joshi said that most term babies require about 85 to 100 calories per kilogramme of body weight, but preterm infants need more, they mostly require slightly higher energy, 105-135 kcals per kilogramme per day. "These extra calories help the baby catch up to reach a healthier height and weight," she said, further adding that caloric intake is important as premature infants require more calories than full-term babies to support their rapid growth. "A higher intake of protein is also vital for the development of organs and muscles. Fats play a critical role in brain development and are often supplemented in preterm infants to ensure adequate growth. Vitamins and minerals are required in greater amounts due to the accelerated growth rate of preterm infants, particularly for bone development," Dr Joshi told WION. Also read: Letter writing and mental well-being: Why companies should encourage employees to adopt this habit Kangaroo care, bonding, and more Not just the diet, Dr Vennapusa weighed in on an important aspect which goes beyond physical. He said it involves the emotional and psychological components that are essential for overall growth. "Our advice as doctors extends beyond formula and feeding tubes to areas such as parental education, compassionate communication, and creating a supportive atmosphere," he said. He said that the value of kangaroo care, bonding via shared experiences, and parental warmth. "In this holistic approach, medical expertise converges with the deeply human elements of care, recognising the intricate interplay of physical, emotional, and developmental well-being for our tiniest patients," he said. Also read: Expert reveals how homeopathy can help diabetic patients maintain sugar levels What should be done post-discharge? Dr Joshi highlighted the importance of care once the babies are discharged from hospitals. She said, "Post-discharge, these infants often have nutritional deficits, requiring supplements like iron and vitamins, and possibly protein and energy-enriched formula milk." She added that they also need very close growth and development monitoring over the first 3-5 years of life by a dedicated multispecialty high-risk follow-up team.

Nutrition of premature babies: Experts share a must-follow guide for mothers and caregivers

On Mother's Day, Indian Railways has presented a special gift to new mothers. It is small yet unique. &nbsp;

Wondering what it is, actually? Well, it is foldable “baby berths”. Never heard of it? &nbsp;

These are small births attached to the regular ones to accommodate a new born comfortably. These berths have been introduced on select trains on a trial basis. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It will surely make the journey of new mothers comfortable when they are travelling with their infants as it will help them to sleep comfortably. &nbsp;

The initiative has been started with concerted efforts of the Northern Railway's Lucknow and Delhi divisions. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/witness-a-new-marvel-indian-instructor-in-dubai-holds-tough-yoga-pose-for-29-min-to-set-new-world-record-477874" hreflang="en">Witness a new marvel! Indian instructor in Dubai holds 'tough' yoga pose for 29 min to set new world record</a>

It has been introduced on berths 12 and 60 of an AC three-tier coach in Lucknow Mail (12230). &nbsp;

On its official handle on Twitter, the Northern Railway shared a few photos of the baby berth and the message regarding the inauguration. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On Mother's Day, Lucknow Divn of N.Rly. introduced a baby berth on experimental basis in Coach No.194129/B4, berth No 12 &amp; 60. This will facilitate mothers travelling with their babies. 
 
The fitted baby seat is foldable &amp; secured with a stopper. <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AshwiniVaishnaw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RailMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RailMinIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/4jNEtchuVh">pic.twitter.com/4jNEtchuVh</a>
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) <a href="https://twitter.com/RailwayNorthern/status/1523605855400202240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The “fitted baby seat is foldable and secured with a stopper,” the tweet said. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India to re-examine the relevance of its colonial law- Sedition law

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-to-re-examine-the-relevance-of-its-colonial-law-sedition-law-477826/embed" width="560"></iframe>

The arrangement of baby berth, which is attached to the lower berth, is in such a way that baby cannot fall off the seat while sleeping. Straps have also been provided to secure the baby. &nbsp;

The baby berth can be used after being rotated to bring it to the same level as the lower berth. A slider must also be locked to guarantee that the berth is safe. &nbsp;&nbsp;

When it is not in use, it can be fixed with the help of a stopper, which is underneath the lower berth. &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On Mother's Day, Indian Railways has presented a special gift to new mothers. It is small yet unique. Wondering what it is, actually? Well, it is foldable “baby berths”.

On Mother's Day, Indian Railways has presented a special gift to new mothers. It is small yet unique. Wondering what it is, actually? Well, it is foldable “baby berths”. Never heard of it? These are small births attached to the regular ones to accommodate a new born comfortably. These berths have been introduced on select trains on a trial basis. It will surely make the journey of new mothers comfortable when they are travelling with their infants as it will help them to sleep comfortably. The initiative has been started with concerted efforts of the Northern Railway's Lucknow and Delhi divisions. Also Read: Witness a new marvel! Indian instructor in Dubai holds 'tough' yoga pose for 29 min to set new world record It has been introduced on berths 12 and 60 of an AC three-tier coach in Lucknow Mail (12230). On its official handle on Twitter, the Northern Railway shared a few photos of the baby berth and the message regarding the inauguration. On Mother's Day, Lucknow Divn of N.Rly. introduced a baby berth on experimental basis in Coach No.194129/B4, berth No 12 & 60. This will facilitate mothers travelling with their babies. The fitted baby seat is foldable & secured with a stopper. @AshwiniVaishnaw @RailMinIndia pic.twitter.com/4jNEtchuVh — Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) May 9, 2022 × The “fitted baby seat is foldable and secured with a stopper,” the tweet said. Watch: India to re-examine the relevance of its colonial law- Sedition law The arrangement of baby berth, which is attached to the lower berth, is in such a way that baby cannot fall off the seat while sleeping. Straps have also been provided to secure the baby. The baby berth can be used after being rotated to bring it to the same level as the lower berth. A slider must also be locked to guarantee that the berth is safe. When it is not in use, it can be fixed with the help of a stopper, which is underneath the lower berth. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Railways presents new mothers with foldable 'baby berths’ on Mother's Day. Find out how is it  

Becoming a mother is an incredible experience, and in the process of bringing a new life into the world, a woman goes through many emotional and physical changes. 
 
"From breastfeeding to changing diapers, many new things become a part of your daily routine. While taking care of your newborn is important, following a self-care routine should also be a priority for mothers," says Prathibha Babshet, a doctor Ayurveda Expert, R&amp;D, The Himalaya Drug Company. 
 
Here are a few easy tips shared by Babshet that will help new mothers navigate through the journey of motherhood: 
 
Mom care: 
 
Stretch marks are one of the most common skin concerns faced by new moms. When looking for a product that can help manage stretch marks, you can never go wrong with products that are infused with an herb-oil-butter complex. You can opt for a stretch mark cream or oil with an infusion of herbs like Pomegranate, Licorice, and Centella asiatica, oils like Almond Oil, Olive Oil, and Wheat Germ Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, Sesame Oil, and butters like Kokum, Mango, and Shea. These will help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It is advisable to always choose skincare products with the goodness of natural ingredients, which makes them safe and gentle to use. 
 
Maintain optimum hygiene: 
 
With a newborn, a new mom is also prone to infections and can pass them on to baby as well. So, pay special attention to hygiene ? wash your hands often, wipe/clean your breasts after breastfeeding, and maintain personal hygiene. 
 
Rest is a must: 
 
Babies have different time clocks than adults, so try to sleep when your baby sleeps and delegate other household responsibilities. 
 
Nutrition: 
 
Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy and childbirth. So, in addition to rest, you must eat a healthy diet, as it is good for both your baby and you. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated. 
 
Baby care: 
 
Diapers are hygiene essentials for a newborn and choosing the right diaper will ensure your baby`s comfort and good sleep as well. Opt for diapers that are specially designed for comfort, protection, and total care of your newborn`s skin with an anti-rash shield that helps prevents diaper rashes. A pant-style design offers a soft and comfortable fit and is easy to pull on and off. Keep changing the diaper frequently to avoid diaper rashes and use diapers infused with the goodness of natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Yashad Bhasma, as both the ingredients form a protective anti-rash shield that helps prevent diaper rashes. 
 
With the above tips, you must also know that a new mother`s body is weak for the first couple of weeks. So, don`t miss the doctor`s appointment, and in case you experience fever, dizziness, pain, or any discomfort, consult your doctor immediately. 
 
&nbsp;

Becoming a mother is an incredible experience, and in the process of bringing a new life into the world, a woman goes through many emotional and physical changes.

Becoming a mother is an incredible experience, and in the process of bringing a new life into the world, a woman goes through many emotional and physical changes. "From breastfeeding to changing diapers, many new things become a part of your daily routine. While taking care of your newborn is important, following a self-care routine should also be a priority for mothers," says Prathibha Babshet, a doctor Ayurveda Expert, R&D, The Himalaya Drug Company. Here are a few easy tips shared by Babshet that will help new mothers navigate through the journey of motherhood: Mom care: Stretch marks are one of the most common skin concerns faced by new moms. When looking for a product that can help manage stretch marks, you can never go wrong with products that are infused with an herb-oil-butter complex. You can opt for a stretch mark cream or oil with an infusion of herbs like Pomegranate, Licorice, and Centella asiatica, oils like Almond Oil, Olive Oil, and Wheat Germ Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, Sesame Oil, and butters like Kokum, Mango, and Shea. These will help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It is advisable to always choose skincare products with the goodness of natural ingredients, which makes them safe and gentle to use. Maintain optimum hygiene: With a newborn, a new mom is also prone to infections and can pass them on to baby as well. So, pay special attention to hygiene ? wash your hands often, wipe/clean your breasts after breastfeeding, and maintain personal hygiene. Rest is a must: Babies have different time clocks than adults, so try to sleep when your baby sleeps and delegate other household responsibilities. Nutrition: Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy and childbirth. So, in addition to rest, you must eat a healthy diet, as it is good for both your baby and you. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated. Baby care: Diapers are hygiene essentials for a newborn and choosing the right diaper will ensure your baby`s comfort and good sleep as well. Opt for diapers that are specially designed for comfort, protection, and total care of your newborn`s skin with an anti-rash shield that helps prevents diaper rashes. A pant-style design offers a soft and comfortable fit and is easy to pull on and off. Keep changing the diaper frequently to avoid diaper rashes and use diapers infused with the goodness of natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Yashad Bhasma, as both the ingredients form a protective anti-rash shield that helps prevent diaper rashes. With the above tips, you must also know that a new mother`s body is weak for the first couple of weeks. So, don`t miss the doctor`s appointment, and in case you experience fever, dizziness, pain, or any discomfort, consult your doctor immediately.

Easy tips for new mothers to navigate through the life's important role

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