Building Confidence: Neonatal Education for New Parents

The Virgen Macarena University Hospital in Seville is taking proactive steps to support new parents as they navigate the complexities of newborn care. Recognizing the anxieties and uncertainties that often accompany parenthood,the hospital’s Neonatology Unit has launched a series of thorough workshops designed to equip parents with essential skills and knowledge.

Comprehensive Curriculum: From Breastfeeding to Basic Life Support

These workshops, offered three times annually, cover a wide range of crucial topics. Parents will receive training on proper techniques for breastfeeding, including milk storage and handling. Crucially, the curriculum also includes instruction on hand hygiene, a fundamental aspect of preventing infections in vulnerable newborns. Furthermore, parents will learn the Kangaroo Method, a skin-to-skin contact technique that promotes bonding and breastfeeding success.Perhaps most importantly, the workshops provide hands-on training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support, empowering parents to respond effectively in emergency situations.

Fostering Autonomy: Preparing Families for Home Care

The primary goal of these workshops is to empower parents with the confidence and skills necessary to care for their newborns independently at home. According to a hospital press release, the programme aims to address common concerns and foster autonomy in raising newborns after discharge from the unit.This initiative directly tackles the anxieties many parents face when transitioning from the structured habitat of the hospital to the home setting.

Humanizing Care: The Kangaroo Method and Family Bonding

The Neonatology unit emphasizes a humanized approach to care, actively promoting the Kangaroo Method. This technique encourages parents of babies admitted to the unit to engage in skin-to-skin contact,strengthening the family bond and promoting prosperous breastfeeding. This method aligns with current best practices in neonatal care, which recognize the importance of parental involvement in the well-being of newborns.

The ‘Kangaroo Method’ is proposed to the parents of babies admitted to the unit to reinforce the family bond and foster breastfeeding.

Virgen Macarena University Hospital

Continuous Improvement: Enhancing Neonatal Care Protocols

The Virgen macarena Hospital is committed to continuous improvement in neonatal care. In 2024, the Neonatology Unit implemented updated protocols addressing critical areas such as the prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants, proper positioning techniques for newborns, and enhanced hygiene procedures. These ongoing efforts demonstrate a dedication to providing the highest quality care for its youngest patients.

Supporting Breastfeeding: A Commitment to Infant Health

The hospital actively promotes and supports breastfeeding, both within the maternity ward and the neonatal unit. the Virgen Macarena Hospital’s donated human milk satellite center collected approximately 1,600 milk units in 2024, providing a valuable resource for infants in need. This initiative underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing optimal nutrition for newborns,particularly those who are premature or have medical conditions.

Premature Infant Admissions: Addressing a Critical Need

Last year, the Macarena Neonatology Unit admitted 197 premature infants, defined as those born before 37 weeks gestation. This statistic highlights the notable need for specialized neonatal care and underscores the importance of initiatives like the parent education workshops in supporting families during a challenging time.