Other content tagged: NICU
EFCNI involved in new study on blood transfusions in preterm babies
Most preterm babies admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) receive blood transfusions. Some neonates, however, receive blood transfusions even though these transfusions may not be necessary, cause side effects or even harm. Therefore, the International Neonatal tranSfusion PoInt pREvalence study (INSPIRE) aims to describe the current state and indications for blood transfusions among preterm babies in Europe. Although most preterm babies receive blood transfusions in the NICU, there are no international guidelines that have…
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The changing face of neonatal intensive care for infants born extremely preterm
Researchers from the University of Melbourne have analysed changes in attitude, physical environment, staffing and medical treatment within neonatal intensive care to identify the changes’ impact on extremely preterm (EP) babies. Applying an evidence-based approach is key to adapting to those changes without compromising the health of preterm babies. Neonatal intensive care for infants born extremely preterm (<28 weeks’ gestation) has changed dramatically over the past years, beginning with the rudimentary care of the…
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Maternal stress, depression, and attachment in the NICU, before and during the COVID pandemic
A study from the University of Geneva analysed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mothers’ postnatal depression, stress, and their attachment process with the baby. The results showed a trend of increased depression and stress symptoms in mothers during COVID-19, which also challenged the attachment process. Higher levels of depression and anxiety are believed to be part of women's birthing and post-partum experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, if a preterm baby requires hospitalisation, the mother faces not only…
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Joint Statement on Ukraine #StandWithUkraine
EFCNI and GLANCE on the situation in Ukraine It is with horror and disbelief that we look at the events unfolding in Ukraine. We witness people fleeing, people in fear and uncertainty whilst politicians are struggling to find fast, effective diplomatic solutions, solutions which are urgently needed to end the suffering of the present and the future generations of Ukraine. As an organisation advocating for newborns and particularly preterm and sick babies and their families, connected with parent- and patient…
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The need for supporting the mental health of parents after preterm birth
How relationship satisfaction and emotional dependency positively affects the mental health of parents after preterm birth Ilknur Okay, President of our Turkish partner parent organisation El Bebek Gül Bebek and Chair Committee Member of GLANCE, has been pushing the topic of mental health in correlation with the burden of preterm birth forward for many years. Now the trained psychologist has, in collaboration with Çiğdem Yavuz Güler from the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University, Istanbul,…
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What parents want to know about their preterm baby’s care
Researchers explored the knowledge needs and skills acquisition of parents during their baby’s neonatal intensive care stay in California, USA. The study revealed differences in the learning needs and skills acquisition depending on the parents’ age and characteristics of the newborn. Moreover, the infant’s medical course and questions about feeding were the main topics of parental interest. Having a preterm baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is challenging for the family. During…
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Family Rooms in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and Neonatal Outcomes.
Research shows important benefits of parental involvement in neonatal intensive care. Parents spending time with their newborns and especially their engagement in skin-to-skin contact has positive impacts on cognitive development of infants and lowers morbidity and mortality rates. To increase the time families spend with their preterm born babies in NICUs, some hospitals provide infant-parent rooms to allow parents to stay with their child 24 hours a day. To assess the availability and benefits of…
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Visual function in preterm infants: Can early interventions help to improve visual function?
The environment and the procedures at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be stressful for preterm infants. Thus, brain development might be decelerated, increasing the possibility for visual impairments. However, the clinical trial by Italian researchers has shown that early interventions by parents can have a positive effect on visual functions. Previous research suggests that multisensory stimulation, especially infant massages, can help with brain development and visual maturation in preterm infants. The randomized…
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The impact of visitation restrictions in the NICU during COVID-19
Covid-19 has a big impact on the care given in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The implementation of family centred care has increased in recent years due to many health benefits for the neonates and family, but the Coronavirus pandemic caused hospitals to change their visitation policies. In a study conducted by Murray and Swanson, changes of the visitation rights in the NICUs and the consequences for parents and their newborns are discussed. In order…
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Factors Influencing Implementation of Family-Centred Care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Being in the NICU is a very stressful experience for infants. The stress level even increases when babies are separated from their parents. This can be avoided with Family-Centred Care (FCC), which involves parents in the care for their infants in order to reduce the stress on newborns and parents. Even though research shows that interactions with parents lead to multiple beneficial effects for both parents and infants, including lowering the stress level for…
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