National Newborn Care Week, observed annually from November 15 to 21, is a significant health initiative in India aimed at raising awareness about the critical importance of newborn care for child survival and development. This week serves as a platform for government officials and health partners to collaborate on strategies to reduce preventable infant deaths, particularly during the neonatal period, which encompasses the first 28 days of life. This timeframe is notably the most vulnerable for infants, with the highest mortality rates occurring during these early days.
Theme Of National Newborn Care Week 2024
The theme for National Newborn Care Week in India, for the year 2024 is, ‘Safety, Quality, and Nurturing Care: Birth Right of Every Newborn’. This theme mainly aims to raise awareness about essential newborn care practices to improve survival rates and ensure healthy development during the critical neonatal period. The week emphasizes practices such as infection prevention, early breastfeeding initiation, and measures to promote safe, warm environments for newborns, helping to reduce the high risk of infant mortality in this vulnerable stage.
Also Read: Newborn Care Week 2023: Significance And Effective Ways To Care For Your Newborn
The statistics are alarming: approximately 2.6 million babies die within their first month each year, with a large proportion of these deaths occurring within the first week. The leading causes of neonatal mortality include complications from prematurity (35%), infections (33%), and birth asphyxia (20%). These figures underscore the urgent need for effective newborn care practices that can significantly improve survival rates.
Also Read: Newborn Care Week: Dos & Don’ts With Your Little One
During Newborn Care Week, emphasis is placed on essential newborn care practices, which include immediate care at birth, thermal regulation, breastfeeding support, and infection prevention. Parents and caregivers are educated on recognizing danger signs that necessitate medical intervention, such as poor feeding, rapid breathing, or high fever. The goal is to ensure that every newborn receives high-quality care that supports their health and development right from birth.
This Newborn Care Week 2024, let us focus on five common newborn health concerns and understand when to seek medical help so as to reduce neonatal mortality rates and ensure healthier futures for our infants.
5 Newborn Health Problems To Watch Out For
Jaundice in Newborns
Jaundice is one of the most common health concerns among newborns, affecting around 60% of full-term babies and 80% of preterm babies. It causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice usually appears within 2 to 3 days after birth and resolves on its own within a week. However, in severe cases, it can lead to serious complications like brain damage.
When to seek help:
If the yellowing becomes more pronounced, spreads to the baby’s legs, or persists for more than two weeks, consult a healthcare provider. Lethargic babies, have difficulty feeding, or exhibit signs of irritability should be seen immediately.
Feeding Difficulties
Newborns may face challenges when feeding, whether breastfed or formula-fed. Problems such as poor latch, inadequate milk supply, or difficulty sucking can lead to insufficient weight gain and dehydration. Babies should be fed frequently (8–12 times per day), and they should steadily gain weight after the first week of life.
When to seek help:
If your baby is not latching well, is feeding less than six times a day, or shows signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, sunken soft spot on the head, dry mouth), it is important to consult a paediatrician or lactation consultant.
Respiratory Distress
Newborns naturally breathe faster than older children and adults, typically around 30 to 60 breaths per minute. However, rapid breathing, flaring nostrils, or grunting noises may indicate respiratory distress, which could be a sign of an underlying issue like an infection, pneumonia, or a heart condition.
When to seek help:
Seek immediate medical attention if your baby’s breathing is consistently fast (over 60 breaths per minute) if they have bluish lips or skin, or if they are making unusual noises while breathing. Any sign of laboured breathing warrants a visit to the emergency room.
Fever
In newborns, even a slight fever can be a sign of a serious infection, as their immune systems are still developing. A body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a fever and can indicate an infection such as sepsis, meningitis, or a urinary tract infection.
When to seek help:
If your baby under 3 months old has a fever, seek medical help immediately. Newborns with fever require immediate evaluation to rule out serious conditions.
Colic and Excessive Crying
All babies cry, but if your newborn cries for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for at least three weeks, they may have colic. Colic is characterised by intense, unexplained crying, often in the late afternoon or evening. While colic does not cause long-term harm, it can be distressing for both the baby and the parents.
When to seek help:
If your baby’s crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea, or if they seem inconsolable despite feeding, changing, and holding, it is time to consult your paediatrician to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Conclusion
Newborn Care Week serves as a reminder that newborns are delicate and require constant attention to their health. While many common health concerns are mild and get resolved on their own, understanding the signs of more serious conditions and knowing when to seek medical help is essential for every parent. Early detection and treatment can help ensure that your newborn grows up healthy and strong. Remember, it is always better to consult a healthcare provider if you have any doubts or concerns about your baby’s health.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
1. Routine Newborn CareBianca P. Perez; Magda D. Mendez.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539900/
2. Essential newborn careWorld Health Organization
