Guide to caring for babies with low birth weight & bull; hello healthy

Babies who have low birth weight are generally caused by premature birth conditions, developmental factors in the womb, or even born with a smaller body due to genetics. Whatever the cause, low birth weight babies are likely to have weaker immunity and have a higher risk of dying in infancy. Therefore, intensive care is needed for the health of babies with low birth weight (LBW).

Health impact of babies with low birth weight

If the baby has health problems in the womb and is born prematurely with a birth weight of less than 2.5 kg, then the baby will be at risk of experiencing the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing due to obstruction of the respiratory tract
• More susceptible to infectious diseases
• Difficulty maintaining body temperature to keep warm
• Low blood sugar levels

LBW conditions and premature birth are the main causes of death in infants. LBW can also increase the risk of developmental disorders such as emotional disorders and disorders in maintaining body weight so that it is easier to become obese. As an adult, someone with a history of LBW also tends to be more prone to hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.

Efforts that can be made in caring for babies with low birth weight

To minimize the risk of developmental disorders and health problems in LBW, there is an intensive care method known as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). This method aims to bring the baby closer to the mother and monitor the baby's condition. Here are some ways to treat LBW according to the KMC method:

1. Give breast milk

Breast milk is very important for babies with low birth weight and breastfeeding is the best way to meet the nutritional needs of babies with low birth weight. Breastfeeding should be done as often as possible, for example, given every four to five hours. Some babies with low birth weight also need mineral and vitamin D supplements in addition to breastfeeding, but it is necessary to consult a midwife or pediatrician first to monitor the baby's nutritional status.

2. Skin contact

Babies born with low birth weight tend to have difficulty maintaining body temperature so their bodies tend to have cold temperatures. This is because babies with low birth weight have a thin layer of fat so they are easy to cause hypothermia. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises mothers of babies to make contact with babies as often as possible by holding the baby using a cloth shaped like a kangaroo bag. This makes it easier to monitor changes in the baby's health and breastfeeding.

3. Accompany the baby to sleep

Should be done in the first month of the baby's age. Accompanying the baby's sleep can be done by holding or placing the baby beside the mother. Babies with low birth weight should also be carried or held close to the baby's mother.

4. Monitoring the baby's health

Perform supervision on the baby regularly by paying attention to the baby's skin surface, breathing, and body temperature. The following are symptoms to watch out for in low birth weight babies and immediately consult a doctor:

• jaundice symptoms: there is a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes
• shortness of breath or irregular breathing
• fever
• the baby looks weak and does not want to breastfeed

5. Avoiding transmission of infectious diseases

Transmission of diseases such as flu, diarrhea and pneumonia are the most common infections in infants and the impact will be more severe for babies with low birth weight. Prevention efforts can be done by maintaining personal hygiene, cleanliness of the home environment, and cleanliness of baby equipment. Special diseases that can be transmitted through droplet air such as tuberculosis and influenza, keep your baby away and minimize contact with sufferers, because surfaces and air contaminated with germs will very easily transmit disease to babies.

6. Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke

Cigarette smoke is a dangerous exposure for babies. The impact on babies is in the form of asthma and respiratory and ear infections. Even low birth weight babies can cause sudden death syndrome. Therefore, babies need to be kept away from cigarette smoke as much as possible.

The most important thing in caring for LBW is the fulfillment of nutrition by giving breast milk and skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. This aims to make it easier for mothers to monitor changes in babies and easier for nutritional fulfillment. LBW also requires physical, psychological, and medical support in maintaining health and overcoming health problems that may be experienced.