Chamba hospital marks end of Newborn Care Week with awareness drive

Newborn Care Week concluded on Thursday with an awareness event at the Newborn Care Corner of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College (PNJGMC), Chamba. Health Education and Communication Officer CR Thakur said the week, observed annually from November 15 to 21 across the country, aims to raise awareness of the importance of newborn care for child survival and healthy development.

Thakur noted the neonatal period — the first 28 days of life — is the most critical stage for a child, with the highest daily mortality risk. He said essential newborn care, including warmth, normal breathing, breast milk and infection prevention, significantly increases survival chances. He advised newborns should be cleaned with soft cotton cloth dipped in lukewarm water during the first two days and bathed daily or on alternate days thereafter. Babies should be adequately clothed, including head, hands and feet and room temperature maintained between 25°C and 27°C.

He highlighted the benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care, calling it an effective, scientifically proven method for maintaining body temperature, especially for premature or low birth weight infants. Thakur cautioned against over-clothing, which can lead to hyperthermia. On nutrition, he said cold weather raises energy needs in newborns, making breastfeeding vital and reiterated that infants below six months should be exclusively breastfed.