Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future

This episode features a conversation with Professor Welma Lubbe, a leading expert in the field of prematurity.

Professor Welma Lubbe is a professor in nursing and midwifery at North-West University. Her research focuses on the care of premature babies, and she is the founder of Little Steps®, South Africa’s first evidence-based prematurity support platform. A respected international advisor and author, she is a passionate advocate for empowering parents of preterm infants. You can find out more about her work on her website: https://littlesteps.co.za/. In this episode, we discuss:

• World Prematurity Awareness Day: We explore the importance of raising awareness about prematurity, including strategies for preventing preterm birth, what to look out for during pregnancy, and how to be prepared should a preterm birth occur.
• Giving Preterm Babies a Strong Start: We dive into this year’s World Prematurity Day theme, “Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future.” Professor Lubbe shares invaluable insights on how to best care for a preterm baby, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that avoids over-medicalizing care.
• The Global Impact of Prematurity: World Prematurity Day, observed annually on November 17, brings attention to the significant global issue of preterm birth. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, representing about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide. Our conversation highlights the concerns of these babies and their families and the need for global support and awareness.