Millions of people worldwide are born prematurely, including Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton.
Official data indicates that around fifteen million children globally are born prematurely each year. At the Institute of Neonatology in Serbia, located in Belgrade, between 750 and 800 children from all over Serbia weighing less than 1500 grams are cared for annually. The smallest baby that stayed at the Institute for Neonatology weighed only 430 grams.
A prematurely born baby comes into existence before the 37th week of pregnancy. Such a baby should still be in the mother’s womb and is not capable of adapting independently to the external environment. After the birth of a baby before the expected term, parents are overwhelmed with great concern, especially when leaving the maternity ward and embarking on new rounds of fighting for the child’s healthy life and proper development.
However, due to medical advancements and the accessibility of modern equipment and treatment methods, even babies born with extremely low birth weights now have a significant chance to survive and develop properly.
“According to our health reports, the average stay of children at the Institute is about 40 days. Some children stay for a much shorter period, but children who are very premature and very small remain with us for three to four months, sometimes even longer,” said Radmila Mileusnić Milenović, director of the Institute for Neonatology, in an interview with RTS TV.
UNICEF Serbia states that the contemporary model of neonatal care, which Serbia aspires to implement, emphasizes family-centered developmental care. This model encourages parents to actively engage in caring for their baby while in the neonatal intensive care unit, including extended daily skin-to-skin contact. It also involves using techniques that closely replicate the environment of the mother’s womb, from which the baby was born prematurely, while minimizing environmental stimuli that could adversely impact the child’s development.
Dr. Mileusnić further states that family-oriented developmental care has been proven to reduce morbidity and mortality in newborns while simultaneously creating conditions for better child development, bonding with parents, emotional well-being, and improved mental health. At the Institute for Neonatology in Belgrade, all eight neonatal intensive care units apply the principles of family-oriented developmental care in accordance with international standards.
Ana’s Story
In most cases of premature birth, the cause is unknown. However, in Ana’s case, it was identified.
From the 21st week of pregnancy, Ana struggled with a condition called pre-eclampsia, which necessitates delivery before the due date. Her daughter, Petra, weighed just 680 grams at birth.
For more about Ana’s experience, which she shared with the Pro Baby Center, have a look at the video at the following link:
Help and Support for Parents
Parents and loved ones who face worry and anxiety after the premature birth of a baby have access to support from several associations and relevant institutions in Serbia.
The Institute for Neonatology has published a guide for parents of prematurely born babies, which can be found at the following link:
https://www.neonatologija.rs/vodic.htm
Pro Baby Center – Always by Your Side!
At the YOU ARE NOT ALONE Counseling Center; parents of prematurely born children can receive the necessary psychological support to help them navigate the difficult period after the early birth of their baby.
We selflessly provide help and support in all crises because love and reliance are key on the path to the growth and development of our little ones.
