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The challenges of breastfeeding a preterm infant: Exploring cue-based breastfeeding practices across Europe
Regular skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding are important measures to promote newborn health and development. However, preterm infants face challenges as they may not be mature enough to be breastfed. One method proven successful in introducing breastfeeding for preterm newborns is cue-based breastfeeding. Instead of feeding at scheduled times, the newborn indicates when they are ready for breastfeeding, making it individually adapted to the specific needs of each preterm infant. A new…
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Breaking barriers: Developing a culturally inclusive antenatal support programme
Women from culturally diverse backgrounds often face challenges during pregnancy due to their background. Their access to healthcare support is reduced, and they experience heightened feelings of loneliness, distress, and fear. To address the sociocultural barriers these expectant mothers may encounter, a new study has developed a culturally sensitive antenatal care programme. The researchers recognised the complexity and diversity of culture and therefore set a focus on flexibility, individual adaptability, and community inclusion. The…
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Bringing human milk banking forward: New breast pumps for donor mothers in Uganda
EFCNI is delighted to share the inspiring news of a generous donation that will make a meaningful impact on neonatal health in Uganda. In response to a request from the ATTA Breastmilk Community, our long-standing corporate partner Prolacta Bioscience has donated five breast pumps to support breastfeeding and human milk donation. The ATTA Breastmilk Community, a dedicated organisation within EFCNI’s network, plays a crucial role in promoting human milk donation in Uganda. As part of their work, they provide breast…
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Intimate partner violence during pregnancy in the COVID-19 era
Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy poses a serious threat to both the pregnant individual and their infant. IPV can be physical, sexual, or psychological, often leading to mental health struggles, substance use, and pregnancy complications. Previous research has shown that lockdowns and stay-at-home orders led to a surge in IPV cases. COVID-19’s impact on IPV A recent American study sheds light on how COVID-19-related stressors influenced IPV experiences and affected postpartum outcomes. Researchers…
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Born into a humanitarian emergency: How to improve essential newborn care in natural disaster and war zones
Essential Newborn Care (ENC) defines minimum standards for the care of infants that must be applied immediately after birth and in the first weeks of life. ENC can be applied in any situation, as it significantly prevents neonatal deaths. However, the adaption to humanitarian disaster settings remains a challenge. Wars, refugee crises, and natural disaster affect millions of people around the world and do not spare infants born into these adverse environments.…
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Bringing comfort and support to preterm babies and their families in Türkiye
El Bebek Gül Bebek is working to ensure that both preterm babies and their families receive the comfort, warmth, and assistance they need in their communities. They have recently initiated three impactful projects—The Nest and Cover Project, Angel Muge, and the New Parents’ Kit—which provide essential resources, emotional support, and practical solutions for families in NICUs across the country. These initiatives not only improve the well-being of fragile newborns but also empower parents during one of the most challenging moments…
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Navigating twin pregnancies: A parent’s guide to screening
Guest article by Stephanie Ernst, Founder and Director of The TAPS Support Foundation, and Professor Asma Khalil, Consultant Obstetrician and Fetal Medicine specialist at St George's Hospital, London. The ISUOG Practice Guidelines have long been an important resource for healthcare professionals managing twin pregnancies. However, their technical nature can be difficult for expectant parents to fully understand. To address this gap, the Patient Guide to Twin Pregnancy Screening was created by Stephanie Ernst and Prof. Asma Khalil. This guide…
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NeuBric – Strengthening the future from the start
Guest article by Dr. Eleni Vavouraki, President of our partner parent organisation “Ilitominon” in Greece, EFCNI PPAB member, GLANCE Chair Committee member, ESCNH Ambassador, and Pani Pantelides, member of the Advisory Board of GLANCE, ESCNH Ambassador. In a vital step towards enhancing the quality of care for preterm newborns in Greece, the parent organisation ‘Ilitominon” initiated “NeuBriC”, a comprehensive educational programme for healthcare professionals and parents, primarily aimed at enhancing the neurodevelopment of preterm…
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Study reveals Aspirin reduces preterm preeclampsia risk
Aspirin and preterm preeclampsia prevention are critical areas of focus for improving maternal health. Preterm preeclampsia (PE) is a serious condition affecting pregnant women worldwide, with potentially severe consequences for both mother and child. A study in East Asia has revealed that a first-trimester screening strategy, combined with low-dose aspirin, can significantly reduce the risk of preterm PE in high-risk women. Understanding preeclampsia Preeclampsia is a hypertensive multi-system disorder during pregnancy characterised by high…
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Telemedicine in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): The potential and limitations of eHealth applications to support parents of hospitalised infants
Anxiety and stress are common feelings for parents of newborns being hospitalised in the NICU, reducing their mental health. Subsequently, this can reduce the parents’ wellbeing and even negatively impact the development of the child. To support parents during this stressful time, telemedicine interventions have been investigated for their effect on parental mental health. A recent study evaluated all kinds of eHealth applications available to parents, such as bedside cameras, supportive apps,…
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