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National Newborn Care Week 2023, Theme, Importance, History, and Guidelines

National Newborn Care Week 2023 Theme is "Safety, quality and nurturing care - birth right of every newborn". National Newborn Care Week is celebrated from November 15 to 21.
authorImageKrati Saraswat16 Nov, 2023
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National Newborn Care Week

National Newborn Care Week: Every year, from November 15 to 21, the country celebrates Newborn Care Week. The main goal is to make people aware of how important it is to take care of newborns for their health and growth.

The first 28 days of a baby's life are very important for their survival. During this time, the risk of a baby dying is the highest compared to any other time in their childhood. This first month is also very important for their future health and growth. Every year, 2.6 million babies die in the first 28 days of life, most of them in the first week. Additionally, there are 2.6 million stillbirths every year. Although the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has gone down from 44 per 1000 live births in 2000 to 20 per 1000 live births in 2020, the goal of reducing under-five mortality to 20 or less per 1000 live births by 2035 can only happen if we specifically work on reducing newborn mortality. Labor, birth, and the time right after birth are very important for the survival of both the baby and the mother. And 75% of newborn deaths can be prevented with known, effective health measures provided at birth and during the first week of life.

National Newborn Care Week History

In 2014, India was the first country to start the India Infant Action Plan (INAP). It follows the Global Every Newborn Action Plan and aims to stop unnecessary baby deaths and stillbirths. On November 15, 2021, there was an online event for National Newborn Week at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Shri. Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, MoHFW, Government of India, led the event with other senior officials present.

National Newborn Care Week 2023

The National New Born Care Week happens annually in India from November 15 to 21. It's meant to make people aware of how important it is to care for newborns for their survival and growth. This week, government officials and partners team up to focus on child health. The goal is to prevent unnecessary deaths of babies in India. Each year, 2.6 million babies die in their first 28 days of life, with most of them passing away in the first week. There are also 2.6 million stillbirths. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) decreased from 44 to 20 per 1000 live births from 2000 to 2020. The aim is to reduce child deaths to ≤ 20 per 1000 live births by 2035, which needs special efforts to reduce infant deaths. It's important to note that 35% of children die in their first month because of not growing well, 33% due to infections, 20% from problems during birth like breathing issues, and around 9% due to birth defects. Newborn Care Week is celebrated to tell people about this and encourage them to give newborns the care they need, lowering the number of newborn deaths.

National Newborn Care Week Theme 2023

National Newborn Week is happening all over the country from November 15 to November 21. The main focus this week is to make people aware of how to take care of newborns. The theme for this event is ' Safety, quality, and nurturing care - birthright of every newborn.' This year's theme is about making sure every newborn gets good healthcare services that support their development and keep them safe and respected at places like hospitals, community sessions, and homes. If we do National Newborn Week right, we hope to see fewer babies getting sick or passing away in the future. One big reason for kids dying in our country is childhood pneumonia, making up 14% of child deaths under the age of five.
Medical Days in November
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month World Diabetes Day
Lung Cancer Awareness Month National Newborn Care Week
Stomach Cancer Awareness Month World Pancreatic Cancer Day
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month World Prematurity Day

Importance of National Newborn Care Week

The first 28 days of a baby's life, the neonatal phase, are super important for survival. During this time, there's a higher chance of them facing daily risks that could be harmful. This first month is also important for the baby's long-term health and growth. When babies start healthy, they can grow into strong individuals who do well in their communities. Every baby should get good healthcare right from the start, no matter where they are. Babies deserve to breathe normally, stay warm, eat well, and be protected from getting sick or hurt. All newborns should have access to basic care, especially in the first few days after birth. This care includes getting help right at birth and continues during the neonatal period, both in the hospital and at home. Babies are likelier to get sick in the first 28 days when their immunity grows. During this time, they might face health issues like neonatal infections, having trouble breathing, damage to their lungs from machines helping them breathe, a lung collapsing, and breathing too fast.

National Guidelines for Newborn Care

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each newborn deserves good quality healthcare right from the start. The WHO suggests the following immediate care when a baby is born:
  1. Delayed cord clamping
  2. Thorough drying
  3. Checking the baby's breathing
  4. Skin-to-skin contact
  5. Starting breastfeeding early
The WHO also recommends:
  1. Resuscitation, if needed
  2. Support for breastfeeding
  3. Providing nurturing care
  4. Having at least three more check-ins after birth
  5. Home visits in the first week after birth
  6. Breastfeeding more often if the baby is unwell
  7. Continuing both breastfeeding and introducing complementary foods for babies older than six months during illness
  8. Discouraging limiting or watering down food
Other important newborn care includes:
  1. Keeping the baby warm
  2. Checking if resuscitation is needed
  3. A complete physical examination
  4. Giving preventive medications and vaccines
  5. Ensuring the baby gets enough to eat
  6. Making sure the baby sleeps safely
  7. Keeping the baby clean and hygienic
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National Newborn Care Week FAQs

What is Newborn Care Week?

Newborn Care Week happens every year in India from November 15 to 21. The reason for celebrating this week is to tell people how important it is to take care of newborns so they can grow up healthy.

Is there a Newborn Care Week between November 15 and 21?

Yes, every year from November 15 to 21, India celebrates Newborn Care Week. Why is this week important? It's important because the first 28 days of a newborn's life (neonatal phase) are very delicate – this time has the highest child mortality rate.

What is the toughest week with a newborn?

The first six to eight weeks with a new baby are the hardest for many people. Even though people may not talk about all the challenges during these early weeks of being a parent, you might face many common problems during this time.

What are the four basic needs of a newborn baby?

Some of the most important things a newborn baby needs are eating often, getting enough rest, wearing the right clothes and having a comfy bed. Parents should also make sure the baby's surroundings are safe and cozy.

What is the point of newborn care?

It ensures that babies born too early or too small are healthier, helps moms and babies bond better, supports breastfeeding, which makes the baby's immune system stronger, and ensures the baby stays warm, reducing the chance of getting too cold.
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