Empowering NICU Parents Podcast A Review of the WHO Recommendations for the Care of Preterm or Low-Birth-weight Infant – Part II

Do you often wonder what helps to guide care and policies in healthcare? Guidelines for medical care are driven by research and what the evidence has shown, otherwise known as evidence-based practice. And there are organizations, like the World Health Organization, who review the most up-to-date research findings and develop global guidelines that are meant to help end-users or clinicians make informed decisions on whether, when, and how to undertake specific actions such as clinical interventions, diagnostic tests, or public health measures with the aim to achieve the best possible individual or collective health outcomes. Their goal is that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.

On November 15th, 2022 the World Health Organization (WHO) released updated recommendations for care of the preterm and low birthweight infant. The recommendations were derived from a group of diverse experts and stakeholders. After they examined the most up-to-date evidence from low- to -high income countries, they developed the updated guidance about the care of preterm or low birthweight infants.

The recommendations are directed at a large target audience and are beneficial for national policy makers, supervisors, managers, NICU clinicians plus more! Not only is the information pertinent to all of the aforementioned, but it is also important for NICU Parents to know what the general recommendations are for care of the preterm or low birthweight infant. So I wanted to provide you with the cliff notes version spotlighting the most pertinent points out of the 137 page document.

The recommendations include guidelines for preventive and promotive care, care of complications, family involvement and support and a good practice statement. Some of the recommendations are new, whereas others are updated based on emerging new evidence.

We started the review in our previous podcast and continue to the discussion today! You will want to hear these new recommendations from the World Health Organization, so start listening now!

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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

A podcast specifically meant to educate and empower NICU parents as they endure their baby’s NICU journey. We provide you with tangible tips and support from my unique perspective as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) and a proud preemie Mama! Along with sharing answers to the NICU medical questions you have, Nicole will address and support you through the incredibly difficult emotional struggles that only a NICU parent can understand. Tune in and subscribe today!

To start 2024 out, our first episode focuses on marijuana use, its impact on pregnancy, the growing fetus and the child’s future development, as well as the implications of its use during breastfeeding.

Who would have thought that in 2024, we would be living in a time where marijuana use is so prominent and that it would be legal in 24 states as of January of 2024?!?

But, nonetheless, here we are! Because marijuana has been legalized in so many states, there are now false evolving perceptions on its general safety as well as its implications on the developing fetus and infant who are exposed to it either in utero or through breastmilk. In general, the perception of harm from marijuana is decreasing while the potency of marijuana is scarily increasing. Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug during pregnancy in the United States. And, its use in gaining speed amongst all adult age groups, in both sexes, and in pregnant women.

For our 56th episode, I reviewed the most up-to-date literature and will share the findings from several studies that reveal both short and long-term negative effects on the pregnant mother and developing fetus if used during pregnancy, and its future implications on the growing infant, child, and their transition into the teenage years, and as an adult after prenatal exposure. I will also point out the general concentration of marijuana in breast milk if used by a nursing mother, as well as how long it stays in the breast milk, and how it may impact the exposed infant.

This episode is packed full of useful information and will be ideal for any healthcare worker or for family members and friends who care about a pregnant woman or nursing mother who is currently using marijuana and want to ensure that she is fully educated on the implications of its use on her growing fetus or infant. And last, but actually, the most important, I encourage ALL women who are either considering becoming pregnant or who are currently pregnant and use marijuana on a regular basis, to listen.

Although marijuana use is so prevelant, it is so crucial that we fully understand its potential impact on the fetus and the child’s future development if used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
You will not want to miss this one!

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