"The birth of a baby is a time of great change, and the first care provided immediately after birth is essential for the baby's health and well-being. In the first few hours of life, the newborn undergoes a series of medical assessments to check its vitality, in addition to skin-to-skin contact with the mother, which promotes thermal regulation and early breastfeeding. Other essential care includes the administration of vitamin K to prevent hemorrhages, eye prophylaxis against infections and monitoring of breathing and temperature to ensure safe adaptation to the external environment", explained the LMC's Director of Nursing, highlighting that "immediate care for the newborn is essential for reducing neonatal complications".
According to Daniela Campos, the first interventions are "crucial for strengthening the baby's immune system and encouraging healthy neurological development, in addition to the fact that early breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that reinforce the child's natural defenses".
As part of the annual programme of 11 masterclasses, held with the aim of informing, clarifying and preparing future mothers for the different stages of pregnancy, birth and postpartum, the ninth class was attended by Liddys Castañeda, paediatrician at LMC, who discussed the role and relevance of newborn development consultations.
"During this consultation and assessment, the paediatrician and paediatric nurse are responsible for monitoring the baby's weight, height and primitive reflexes, as well as analysing neurological and motor aspects. This consultation also includes guidance on breastfeeding, vaccination and general care, ensuring healthy development and preventing nutritional problems or pathologies that may arise in the first months of life", explained Liddys Castañeda.
According to the paediatrician, early paediatric monitoring not only makes it possible to identify possible changes in the baby's growth, but also provides greater security for parents, allowing them to receive essential information on daily care and warning signs of complications.
"The arrival of a baby brings challenges, but with the right support and guidance, this phase can be experienced with greater peace of mind and confidence", said Liddys Castañeda.
The Luanda Medical Center was founded in February 2015 and is now a reference in private healthcare in Angola. Among the various services offered by the Luanda Medical Center, the most notable is the new maternity ward, which offers four rooms with seven beds, a delivery room and a nursery to accommodate pregnant women, ensuring a controlled journey from the beginning to the end of the pregnancy.
