When a premature baby is born, the parents often face unforeseen difficulties and challenges...
At such times, it’s important to know—or to let our loved ones know—that they have the right, among other things, to:
- Information—about their child’s health. Doctors and medical staff should provide parents with detailed and understandable information about the diagnosis, planned treatment, and prognosis.
- Decision-making—parents have the right to participate in decisions regarding their child’s treatment. They should be informed about various treatment options and possible side effects so they can make informed decisions.
- Presence—parents have the right to be with their child in the neonatal unit, which is crucial for the child’s emotional bond and development.
- Skin-to-skin contact—also known as “kangaroo care.” If the child’s health permits, parents have the right to this type of contact with their child, which can accelerate the child’s development and improve their health.
- Psychological support—hospitals often offer psychological assistance or access to support groups, which is essential for parents’ mental health during difficult times.
You’ll find more tips in our next blog post on this topic, and you can find more information about infants and preventive health care on our Foundation’s blog.
