Approximately 11% of infants are born preterm, and complications of prematurity are the most common cause of death in children aged under five years. Almost one million preterm infants die each year across low, high and middle-income countries.
According to Dr N. Varsha Monica Reddy, Consultant Pediatric Neurologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, new recommendations included preventive and promotive care (e.g., community and immediate KMC, probiotics, emollient therapy) as well as care for complications (continuous positive airway pressure and caffeine for respiratory support) and family involvement and support.
- Preterm or LBW infants should be exclusively breastfed (EBF) until 6 months of age.
- Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is recommended as routine care for all preterm or LBW infants. KMC can be initiated in facilities or at home and should be given for 8–24 hours per day (as many hours as possible).
- Mother’s own milk is recommended for feeding preterm or LBW infants, including those
