World Prematurity Day: an invitation to awareness and support for families

Every year, on November 17th, World Prematurity Day is celebrated, a fundamental occasion to give a voice to all children born before term and their families, who often face a complex journey filled with conflicting emotions.

Worldwide, about 1 in 10 children is born premature. Behind this figure are stories of strength, fragility, waiting, hope, and uncertainty. Premature birth brings medical challenges but also profound emotional implications for parents, who find themselves experiencing a kind of parenthood different from what they had imagined.

Prematurity and the parent–child bond

Early contact, support for the relationship and closeness between parent and newborn are fundamental elements in the journey of premature babies. Practices such as kangaroo care and encouraging the presence of parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit help strengthen the bond, promoting the baby's stability and the family's emotional well-being.

Breastfeeding also plays a central role: breast milk is a true “natural medicine” for preemies, thanks to its protective properties and its ability to adapt to the newborn’s specific needs. However, starting and maintaining lactation in a premature journey can be challenging. This is where professional support can make a difference.

The role of IBCLC support

IBCLC consultants can accompany families on the journey of breastfeeding a premature baby, offering:

- emotional and practical support in the first weeks,

- guidance on expressing and storing milk,

- personalized strategies to facilitate latching when the baby is ready, - support in transitioning from tube or bottle feeding to direct breastfeeding.

Every small step, every drop of milk, every moment of skin-to-skin contact is a precious piece of a journey that requires delicacy, listening, and specific skills.

A day not to feel alone

World Prematurity Day is not just an invitation to reflect, but also a message of closeness and solidarity: no family should feel alone when facing the challenge of prematurity. With information, adequate support, and a network of trained professionals, it is possible to help these extraordinary children grow and flourish in their own time.