Latest news and research roundup
News and updates on neonatal care
In our latest news and research roundup, we are sharing some recent studies and updates focusing on neonatal care
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Kangaroo mother care and protective effects on the volume of brain structures in young adults born preterm
This study assessed whether kangaroo mother care (KMC) in infancy affects brain growth into young adulthood. Bivariate analysis of 178 adults born preterm showed larger volumes of total grey matter, basal nuclei, cerebellum and white matter in those who had received KMC as infants, demonstrating its neuroprotective effects which persist beyond childhood and improve quality of life.
Breastmilk exposure is associated with cortical maturation in preterm infants
This study combined nutritional data with brain MRI to explore the extent to which breastmilk exposure in preterm infants resulted in a cortical morphology resembling that of term infants. A total of 135 preterm and 77 term infants participated, with results indicating that high breastmilk exposure was associated with reduced cortical gray matter volume, thickness and radial diffusivity, and increased fractional anisotropy.
Exploring outcomes for women and neonates having skin-to-skin contact during caesarean birth: A quasi-experimental design and qualitative study
Elective caesarean births often include separation of mothers and newborns following transfer to a postnatal ward. This study explored the impact of skin-to-skin contact within the first five minutes of elective caesarean births, with findings indicating it supports a quicker first feed and higher breastfeeding rates upon discharge. Successful bonding and reduced rates of anxiety and depression were also reported.
Association of a Family Integrated Care Model With Paternal Mental Health Outcomes During Neonatal Hospitalization
Findings from a study exploring approaches to neonatal hospitalisation and outcomes on paternal mental health suggest that a family integrated care model is associated with decreased paternal stress at discharge and enables increased participation by fathers. Supporting fathers to actively participate in all aspects of care is encouraged regardless of design of the neonatal unit.
Bliss research shows young parents face ‘double whammy’ of being underprepared and under-supported when their babies are in neonatal care
More than half of a group of 200 parents with a baby born premature or sick felt they were not as involved in care giving or decision making as they would have liked, a study by Bliss shares. One in five parents said that communication was often unclear, with some feeling excluded from care and suffering age-related discrimination.
Cue-based versus scheduled feeding for preterm infants transitioning from tube to oral feeding: the Cubs mixed-methods feasibility study
This study analyses current approaches and understanding of cue-based feeding and the transition between preterm tube to oral feeding in neonatal units. Findings indicated that a cue-based feeding intervention was acceptable to parents and staff and would be feasible to implement. However, results also showed that this would require improvements to both staff training and data recording.
Preterm birth during the COVID-19 pandemic: Parental experience
Results of an online survey share insights into parents’ experiences of preterm births during the pandemic, highlighting significant psychological and emotional impacts and concerns about parent-infant bonding.
ABM Clinical Protocol #35: Supporting Breastfeeding During Maternal or Child Hospitalisation
This protocol outlines recommended care for hospitalised lactating mothers and breastfeeding children and serves to set the standards to implement these model policies.