Preterm babies develop faster when they hear their mother's voice, when they hear natural sounds similar to those heard in the womb.
The sound in the incubator can inhibit a baby's development
The sound in the incubator can inhibit a baby's development
New research shows that premature babies are influenced more by natural sounds like the familiar sounds babies hear in their wombs.
This finding by a group of researchers from Harvard University (USA) can be considered a big breakthrough in helping premature babies thrive and mature faster.
Premature infant development is usually monitored by monitoring eye development and dilated pupils.
Neuroscientist Amir Lahav explained to the American Association for the Advancement of Science that infants placed in incubators for a long time only heard the whirring, humming sounds of machines and other equipment.
These sounds can inhibit a baby's development.
Twelve mothers of infants were enrolled in this study. They were tasked with recording their voices while talking, reading and laughing. These recordings are played inside the incubator of premature babies along with the sound of the mother's heartbeat.
Photo: (Getty Images)
Comparing premature babies who heard these sounds with those not given the recording, the researchers found that babies in the first group were healthier: babies with better brain development also like stronger hearing ability.
According to Lahav, these results further emphasize that the daily sounds of mothers are "part of the initial key to success for us to push premature babies to reach full growth."
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your premature baby
Breast milk contains proteins that help fight infections and promote growth. Although premature babies may not be able to feed right away, breast milk can be fed in other ways - or frozen for later use. Mothers should pump as soon as possible after birth (at least 6-8 times / day).
Also, ask your doctor about your baby's nutritional needs - in the form of breastmilk supplements, vitamin supplements, or infant formula. If your baby is able to suckle milk, in the first week should feed the baby 8-10 times per day, the first day 60ml / kg / 24 hours, the day after each day increased by 20ml / kg / day.
In the process of taking care of premature and low birth weight babies, parents should always closely monitor the child's breathing rate, skin color and status of eating, frequency of bowel movements, and urination. Body temperature, weight and head tip are also regularly observed to detect unusual problems and have the earliest response.
Spend time with your children
Talking, reading or singing to your baby helps to bond mother and baby. When your baby is ready, hold him in mother's arms. Premature babies develop faster when hearing the mother's voice. Whisper words of love, caresses, etc. so that the baby can feel the protection and love from the mother.
You do not need to worry too much that your premature baby will suffer intellectual damage. The proof is that there have been many great people in history who were born premature. Can be taken for example the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, Charles the Great, Victor Hugo, Mark Twain, Albert Einstein, ...
Taking care of a premature baby is a tough journey. Mom is concentrating on her baby and forgetting that she herself needs care. Only a healthy mother can take good care of the baby. So don't forget to take the time to rest and restore your health!
See more:
Identify the dangerous causes of preterm birth for your baby at birth
Common causes of premature babies and night crying and health problems of premature babies
What is the cause of premature birth? Is there a way to prevent preterm birth?