NEWS

Reflecting on Strength: World Prematurity Day Webinar Highlights

In celebration of World Prematurity Day, a heartfelt and insightful webinar held on November 17th, brought together two inspiring moms who had experienced preterm births, a neonatologist, and a maternal fetal medicine specialist, shining a light on the challenges, triumphs, and medical insights surrounding premature delivery. The discussion centered on the emotional and clinical aspects of preterm births, providing an eye-opening narrative for parents and caregivers alike within the Philippine setting.

The firsthand accounts shared by the two mothers, Ms Margie Duavit and Ms Leanne Caballo, who had faced the unique challenges of preterm delivery. Ms Margie had given back in the 1990s and Ms Leanne, only recently. But the anxieties remained the same. They recounted their journeys, from the unexpected nature of early labor to the emotional rollercoaster of having their newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Both moms spoke about their feelings of fear, uncertainty, and eventual strength as they navigated this challenging path. Their stories underscored the importance of a strong support system—family, friends, and compassionate healthcare teams—in overcoming the hurdles of premature birth. They shared the strength they gained particularly by making themselves very involved in the care of their babies, asking questions as they arose. Complementing these stories was the expertise of the neonatologist (also known as a newborn medicine specialist), Dr Fay de Ocampo (UP PGH, Manila Doctors Hospital and ManilaMed) who shed light on the medical aspects of prematurity. Along with the moderator, Dr Ina Crisologo (Asian Hospital, Manila Doctors and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital), their discussion covered common risk factors for preterm birth, such as history of a previous preterm birth, high blood pressure, and multiple pregnancies. They also emphasized the importance of regular prenatal checkups and early screening for high-risk pregnancies, which can help manage potential complications.

Key interventions including the Unang Yakap steps, respiratory support, nutritional care, and infection prevention, and post-discharge follow ups and surveillance were highlighted as crucial elements of preterm infant management.

The webinar bridged the emotional and medical aspects of prematurity. While the moms’ stories highlighted the human side of this journey, specialists’ insights offered reassurance that advances in medical care are improving outcomes for preterm babies every day.

A Call to Action

The session concluded with a call for greater awareness of prematurity and support for affected families.

The Philippine Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine (PSMFM) in celebration of World Prematurity Day, has adopted as its theme since 2022, the catchphrase Munting Buhay, Ating Sagipin, to reminds all of us that every preterm baby is important, every preterm baby is a fighter, and behind each one is a family whose courage deserves recognition. Through education, community support, and access to quality healthcare, we can continue to make strides in ensuring brighter futures for preterm infants.

This webinar not only celebrated the resilience of preemie families but also served as a reminder of the collective effort needed to address prematurity with empathy and expertise.