ProgenyHealth NICU Insights Blog

As we again honor World Prematurity Day on November 17th, we must also acknowledge the problem is still growing. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that the average rate of preterm birth (birth prior to 37 weeks gestation) has increased for the third year in a row. The preterm birth rate has increased from 9.6% to 9.93% between 2016 and 2017. As a result, the March of Dimes Premature Birth Rate Report Card gives the United States a disappointing grade of “C”.

Prematurity is the leading cause of death worldwide in children under five years of age. This vulnerable population is at an increased risk of long-term health problems such as: cerebral palsy, developmental delay, breathing difficulties, blindness and hearing loss.

October marks Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Awareness Month. NAS is the result of the sudden discontinuation of fetal exposure of a substance, typically an opiate such as methadone, heroin, or prescription opiates. It can give afflicted newborns a constellation of symptoms such as: vomiting, loose stools, high-pitched crying, irritability, inconsolability, tremors, sweating, sneezing, poor feeding, or even seizures.

Because of the opioid epidemic in the United States, the incidence of NAS has skyrocketed over the past decade. For the NICU physicians and nurses that care for such unfortunate infants on a regular basis, following best practices for NAS care is crucial.

As Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month comes to a close, we’d like to remind everyone of the unique challenges that families, providers, and communities face in caring for premature and medically complex newborns – struggles that often endure well beyond infancy.

The March of Dimes is one of the most widely known and respected charities. They’ve been leading the charge for healthier babies and moms for decades, and their mission is near and dear to our hearts here at ProgenyHealth.  Fighting Premature Birth: The Prematurity Campaign puts focus on many of the issues that we also face in providing care management services for such infants and their families in the first year of life.

According to CDC data as of 2016 cited in the campaign, 9.8% of all births in the US are preterm (<37 weeks gestation). Unfortunately, the rate of such births is growing, and the national opioid epidemic is contributing to the problem. To-date, a single solution has proven elusive. Until one is found, the best approach is a renewed focus on the issue that encompasses its inherent breadth and depth.

November 17th is World Prematurity Day. At ProgenyHealth, our mission is to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population. Prematurity (birth prior to 37 weeks gestation) is the leading cause of death worldwide in children under five years of age. Here are a few facts illustrating why prematurity remains at the forefront of population management agendas.

When I joined ProgenyHealth as a Medical Director, one of the aspects of the job that I found most appealing was the ability to do meaningful outreach with other neonatologists across the country. Having taken care of many medically complex babies as an attending physician in a NICU for over eight years, I believe I have a good understanding of what physicians in the community are going through and the challenges they are facing.

As we observe Prematurity Awareness Month, one of our nurse case managers shares her tips for parents whose babies are admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or special care nursery as a result of their premature birth or medically complex condition.

Natalie has been a Registered Nurse for 22 years and 16 of those years were spent in the NICU. Her job was to care for babies that should have been safe and growing in their mother’s womb.  Natalie recalls some preterm babies being so small that they could fit in the palm of your hand. Natalie said that it is so rewarding to help a baby born this small survive, and months later see them go home with their parents. She not only helped tiny premature and medically complex babies survive, but she also supported their families during their child’s NICU stay.  It was her passion to help these families that brought her to ProgenyHealth as a NICU Case Manager.  The NICU is a challenging, very fast paced environment making it difficult for many parents. Here are some things that Natalie learned through her many years in the NICU that she shares with families during what can be one of the most stressful times in their life:

Every August, World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated in more than 170 countries around the globe. It is an annual reminder to improve the health of babies around the world by encouraging breastfeeding. Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. It is an amazing "brain food," containing more than 200 ingredients that are specifically designed to provide the most idealgrowth and development for the human body. Breast milk is rich in nutrients needed by the baby for brain growth and development.