Tips to Care for a Premature Baby

Imagine you are all excited to welcome a little one to your home. You are worried because your baby has been born few weeks in advance and is immature and /or low birth weight.  Once you have your little bundle of joy in your lap. No doubt, your joy would know no bounds. However, at the same time, you must be worried and anxious about the health of the premature baby. Fret not, the experts at the top hospital in Dehradun can provide you with the necessary support and recommend effective tips to care for your baby. Read on to explore everything in detail!

Understanding the Challenges of Premature Babies

Premature birth may pose several health challenges for the little ones. Some of the common issues are difficulty in maintaining body temperature, low birth weight, higher risk of infections, respiratory issues, feeding difficulties and slow growth. However, with the support and assistance of the professionals at the best hospital in Dehradun, you can be rest assured of the optimum safety and well-being of the baby. 

Top Caring Tips You Must Know

It is no surprise that premature babies require extra attention, monitoring, and care. The core aim is to ensure that they develop and grow healthily. Delve into the key caring tips recommended by the experts!

#1 Get expert consultation even when the child is apparently healthy:

A premature baby has very fragile body and body organs. These miniature human need utmost care painstakingly. Not every doctor has the expertise to provide guidance for care of these little bundles of joy. A neonatologist is what you must consult in order to get the best guidance and advice.

#2 Focus on Proper Feeding

Premature babies may have underdeveloped sucking reflexes. As a result, they struggle with feeding. No doubt, breast milk is the most nutritious food for your little one. However, at times, breast milk needs to be boosted with additional vitamins, minerals, and proteins to meet the nutritional requirements of the premature baby. All the feeding advice must be supervised by an adept neonatologist  because any deviation from what is optimum might lead to disasters. Also, proper burping is essential to prevent the chances of reflux and gas. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to avoid feeding issues and ensure that your baby gets the right amount of nutrients for optimal growth. 

Sometimes, when breast milk is not secreted properly because of maternal anxiety or everted nipples like issues, a consultation with lactation specialist can bring about paradigm changes.

#3 Create a Comfortable Environment

Premature babies are sensitive to changes in temperature. Therefore, the experts at Altrus HealthCare recommend maintaining optimum room temperature where your baby feels safe and comfortable. Try to maintain your room temperature at 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. Moreover, ensure that the surroundings of your baby are calm, quiet, and clean. For that, you can consider soft lighting in your room and avoid any kind of loud noise. Also, try to avoid exposure of your premature babies to dust, allergen, and smoke as their lungs are delicate.

#4 Practice Kangaroo Mother Care

Are you hearing this term for the very first time? Well, it’s all about skin-to-skin contact. This care approach proves to be ideal for premature babies and plays a crucial role in regulating their body temperature. Apart from that, it also helps in strengthening the parent-child bond and enhances the breathing of the little one. Wondering how do you practice kangaroo mother care? Please consult a child specialist at ALtrus hospital to understand the procedure and benefit in better way

#5 Understand the Sleep Patterns of the Baby

Premature babies require much more sleep compared to normal babies. They sleep for several hours a day. However, their sleep cycles are usually shorter. Make sure to put your baby to bed on their back and not on the stomach. Try establishing a proper bedtime. At that time, you can dim the lights in the room, sing soft lullabies to them, and gently rock them. All these efforts will enable them to sleep peacefully. In case your child experiences breathing issues or any reflux difficulties while sleeping, be sure to reach out to healthcare professionals at the earliest.

#6 Maintain Proper Hygiene

Premature babies are undoubtedly at high risk of infection. Therefore, you need to be more careful. The seasoned healthcare professionals at Altrus HealthCare advise that it is always best to wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching the little ones. 

Moreover, keeping their surroundings clean and tidy is vital. If anyone in your family is sick or has a cold, limit them from coming in contact with the baby. The core aim is to reduce the risk of illness and ensure optimal health for the little one. 

#7 Closely Monitor Growth and Development

The weight gain in premature babies might be slow. However, consistent progress is a positive sign. Consult the neonatalogists at Altrus HealthCare, the best hospital in Dehradun, to gain more insights about the developmental milestones of premature babies. 

#8 Check for Warning Signs

When you have a premature baby, you must be prepared for emergencies. Providing the right care at the right time will ensure optimal health for your little one. Be very alert about changes in feeding habits, breathing patterns, and behavior of the baby. Signs like bluish skin, fever, excessive sleepiness, and difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention. 

Conclusion

If a premature baby is born, it is quite common to be worried about the health and well-being of the little one. However, with proper care and assistance from the professionals, you do not have to worry about anything. Are you looking for a trusted hospital in Dehradun for premature baby care? Altrus HealthCare is indeed the name you can trust.

As a leading hospital, we have a team of experienced professionals in our neonatology department. We focus on delivering specialised care to premature babies and addressing all the potential concerns of new parents. From infection control to nutritional support, we can help you with everything.

A Guide to Top Foods to Eat During Pregnancy

Have you received the good news you have been waiting for so long? Congratulations!

While the journey to motherhood can be exciting, it also comes with numerous responsibilities. Especially, taking good care of yourself throughout the pregnancy period. From visiting a trusted hospital in Dehradun for regular check-ups to ensuring you consume a balanced diet, there are several things you need to do. Wondering what to eat and what not to? This blog will take you through the top foods you must add to your diet for a healthy pregnancy. Let’s dive in!

#1 Dark, Leafy Vegetables

When it comes to a healthy diet for women, vegetables are often the first that come to mind. Adding dark, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale is indeed a great idea. Being rich in nutrients, they are good for pregnant women. However, they may not be the most appealing foods in terms of taste. In such cases, consuming them in the form of pasta sauces and soups is an excellent option. Dark, leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, K, potassium, calcium, folate, and iron. Their high fibre content can help prevent constipation and improve digestion.

#2 Dairy Products

It is no surprise that during pregnancy, you will require more calcium and protein to meet the needs of your baby. After all, you’re eating for two. For that, dairy products like yoghurt, milk, and cheese are great options. These food items are rich in two types of proteins: whey and casein. Besides calcium, these dairy items can provide you with vitamin B, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential during pregnancy.

#3 Berries

Looking for a snack item that is both healthy and nutritious, yet flavorful? As one of the best hospitals in Dehradun, our dietitians recommend that pregnant women incorporate berries into their diet. Berries contain both fibre and water and are a rich source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and healthy carbs. The best part is that their glycemic index value is quite low. So, you need not worry about spikes in the blood sugar levels. The top berries you can eat during pregnancy are raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, acai berries, and goji berries.

#4 Whole Grains (Millets)

When you consult your healthcare professional at a leading women and children’s hospital like Altrus in Dehradun, whole grains are sure to be part of your recommended pregnancy diet. Your prenatal nutrition should include an adequate amount of whole grains, such as millets, oats, brown rice, whole wheat, quinoa, barley, and amaranth. They are rich sources of folic acid, vitamin B, iron, and fibre. All these nutrients are beneficial for your baby’s physical development. Moreover, they can help prevent haemorrhoids and constipation that may cause discomfort and affect your overall pregnancy experience.

#5 Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene, a plant compound that the body converts to vitamin A. This vitamin plays a vital role in supporting the development of your baby. Moreover, sweet potatoes are also rich in fibre, keeping you full for longer periods, improving your digestive health, and reducing blood sugar spikes significantly. All these can contribute to lowering the risk of pregnancy constipation.

#6 Salmon

Imagine having a grilled teriyaki salmon. Already feeling hungry but wondering whether salmon is allowed during pregnancy? You will likely be advised to avoid certain types of seafood, as they may contain mercury and other contaminants. However, the good news is that salmon can be a delicious addition to your diet during pregnancy. Being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, eating salmon can provide you and your baby with multiple health benefits. From increasing gestational length to supporting healthy fetal development, they can benefit in several ways. 

#7 Avocados

Do you have a strong craving for something creamy? Why not add avocados to your diet? Avocados are high in monounsaturated fatty acids. That is why they have a rich and buttery flavour, adding creaminess and depth to any dish. Avocados are also rich in vitamin K, B vitamins, antioxidants, copper, vitamin C, vitamin E, and fibre. As they are high in potassium, healthy fats, and folate, they are an excellent choice during pregnancy.

#8 Proteins and Lean Meat

The significance of protein in the diet of pregnant women cannot be undermined. At Altrus HealthCare, we recommend that pregnant women consume sufficient amounts of protein-rich foods. For high-quality protein, the best sources include chicken and pork. However, if you are a vegetarian and in search of protein sources, beans, legumes, soy products, and tofu are among the top choices. 

#9 Eggs

Eggs are indeed healthy during pregnancy. They contain a little of the different nutrients you need. Eggs are known to be an excellent source of choline, which is a vital nutrient required by pregnant women. This nutrient plays a crucial role in preventing developmental abnormalities in the spine and brain while promoting effective brain development in the baby. The best part is that there are various healthy ways to cook eggs and incorporate them into your diet.

#10 Dried Fruit

When discussing the foods to eat during pregnancy, you cannot miss out on dry fruits. They are rich in fibre, calories, and various minerals and vitamins. However, make sure to consume them in smaller amounts. A handful have the potential to boost your intake of essential minerals and vitamins, including potassium, iron, and folate.

Conclusion

Along with nourishing foods, staying well-hydrated is just as important for both you and your little one. During pregnancy, your body needs all the right nutrients to support this exciting journey. Not sure what should make it to your plate? Just drop by Dehradun’s best private hospital, Altrus HealthCare.

At Altrus HealthCare, women and chidlren hospital in Dehradun, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our experienced professionals take the time to understand your health, listen to your concerns, and help you create a personalised pregnancy diet that’s not only nutritious but also tailored to your unique needs. Because caring for you means caring for two.