Scientists believed that in the family chambers, the bond between the mother and the child is “strengthening”, which explained the low mortality rate. However, a recent scientific review showed that infections in individual wards are less likely. A possible reason for the increased survival of premature infants is not “due to the mother,” but a low risk of infection.
What results were obtained during the study?
Premature babies were left in large rooms with numerous incubators for a long time. Although this facilitated medical care, close physical contact with the mother was not possible.
The disadvantage, which was long ignored, was the late start of breastfeeding.
Today, there are fears that the brain development of premature babies is impaired if they are not allowed to go to the mother on time.
Many clinics in recent years have created separate family rooms. In them, mothers can spend days and weeks until the full recovery of premature babies. The medical evidence for these measures was inconclusive. Scientists have identified only 1 study that examined the potential benefits of individual rooms.
In the Stockholm Neonatal Care Study, 366 premature babies were randomly assigned. Some were placed in separate rooms, while others were placed in a large hall. Result: a decrease in the overall incidence was not detected.
Dutch pediatricians studied 12 other studies. All studies included only extremely premature babies with very low birth weight. However, no advantages of the family chamber were demonstrated here either.
Sepsis - one of the reasons for the benefits of family chambers?
All studies were united by one significant fact - the risk of developing infections was reduced by 37%.
"Blood poisoning" is a common problem in neonatal intensive care units. Researchers could not determine the root cause of the protective effect. Scientists believe that hygienic conditions in family wards are much better.
Sepsis in maternity hospitals occurs in 0.1-0.8% of newborns. Premature babies and babies with very low birth weights are much more likely to suffer from sepsis. In Russia, about 17% of children with very low birth weight (<1500 g) develop infections. In the group of infants weighing less than 500 g, the incidence is approximately 40%.
If sepsis in newborns is confirmed and treated in a timely manner, the symptoms usually go away quickly.
However, in 25% of newborns, treatment begins too late, so they die.
Surviving newborns retain the so-called "pulmonary hypertension." The condition is characterized by increased pressure in the region of blood vessels in the pulmonary circulation. Pulmonary hypertension leads to serious health consequences in adulthood.
Prophylactic administration of antibodies (immunoglobulins) is a controversial method and is not recommended. To prevent nosocomial late sepsis in newborns, it is important to observe hygiene measures, especially to carefully disinfect hands.
Experts believe that in family wards, mothers wash their hands more often, take care of the child and attend a shower than in general. Perhaps longer care for yourself and your child plays a role in reducing the prevalence of infections.
In a family ward, does a mother begin to feed her baby much earlier?
Another obvious benefit is a higher rate of onset of breastfeeding. The likelihood that the mother will breast-feed her baby after discharge is much higher.
In a separate room, mothers feed their children almost 3 times more often than in the common room.
Children were observed in studies only up to 2 years. At this age, however, it is only limited possible to evaluate neurological development. Scientists note that children subsequently manifest mental disorders if they are not breastfed on time.
The main findings of the researchers: in family wards, the risk of developing infections is lower and the conditions for breastfeeding are better. If possible, it is recommended that you rent a separate room in maternity hospitals or neonatal centers.
