Today, on November 17th, World Prematurity Day is celebrated. Premature birth can affect mothers regardless of age, nationality, strong health, careful monitoring, or a joyful pregnancy. Often, this experience is accompanied by initial shock, turning life upside down, and emotional recovery that can take years.
World Prematurity Day provides an opportunity at least once a year for a wider audience to discuss this important topic and to show respect to the brave little ones, their parents, siblings, other family members, and all supporters.
One way to show support is by changing the outdoor lighting to lilac, which is the symbol color for premature birth. Today, the Academic Library of Tallinn University is also adorned in lilac for one day. This affirms our care and support for the tiniest ones, their families, and supporters.
Every year, International Prematurity Day has its own theme. This year’s motto is “Small Actions, Big Impact. Providing immediate skin-to-skin care to all babies everywhere.” There is increasing evidence that skin-to-skin contact after birth assists babies and their parents. Bonding with the baby, alleviating pain and guilt about the baby’s condition, joy, increased production of breast milk – these are just a few aspects highlighting the crucial importance of skin-to-skin contact.
The leading advocate in Estonia is the NGO “Enneaegsed lapsed” (Premature Children), aiming to support prematurely born children, their parents, and close ones by acknowledging, understanding, and promoting a broader societal understanding of prematurity-related topics. More information about the NGO’s activities and support can be found here: www.enneaegsedlapsed.ee
#prematurechildren #prematurityday2023