Low birth weight (LBW) is a condition in which the baby weighs body less than 2.5 kilograms at birth. This condition can be caused by various things. Babies with low birth weight are vulnerable having trouble health, so it requires extra care.
Based on data from the Ministry of Health, there are 6.2% of babies born with low birth weight (LBW) in Indonesia. LBW often occurs in babies born prematurely (before 37 weeks of gestation).
Physically, babies with low birth weight look thin, have little body fat tissue, and their heads look bigger or disproportionately large.
Most babies with low birth weight who are born at term do not experience health problems later in life. But if LBW occurs in premature babies, the following complications can arise:
- Respiratory disorders
- Infection
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Difficult to gain weight
- Barriers to growth
- Chills or hypothermia
- yellow baby
- Eating disorders or difficulty breastfeeding
If they do not get adequate care, babies with low birth weight who experience the various complications above will be at high risk of experiencing disability, even death.
Causes of Babies Born with Low Weight
There are various factors that can cause or increase the risk of a baby being born with a low birth weight. Some of these factors include:
- Born to mothers who had health problems during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, high blood pressure, or malnutrition.
- Infection during pregnancy.
- There is a genetic abnormality or birth defect in the baby.
- Born to a mother who was underweight during pregnancy.
- Mother's age at pregnancy is less than 17 years or more than 35 years.
- Twin pregnancy.
In addition, mothers who have unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, consuming alcohol, and using drugs are also more at risk of giving birth to babies with low body weight.
Therefore, pregnant women need to avoid the various risk factors above, and routinely undergo pregnancy check-ups to the obstetrician to prevent and anticipate the possibility of babies being born with low birth weight.
Guide to Caring for Low Weight Babies
Almost all babies with low birth weight need to be treated in the intensive care unit for newborns (NICU). This treatment will be tailored to the baby's condition, birth weight, and how severe the health problems are.
In this room, the baby will receive special care, such as being warmed in an incubator, given fluids and drugs through an IV, and given nutrition according to their needs.
This treatment is carried out until the baby's condition improves and is stable, the weight increases, and the doctor states that the baby can be treated at home.
After the baby is allowed to go home, there are several things that need to be considered in the care of babies with low birth weight. These include hygiene, breastfeeding and nutrition, as well as a comfortable environment for the baby.
The following are some things to do when caring for a low birth weight baby:
1. Giving breast milk on schedule
Breast milk is the best nutrition for babies during the first six months of life. So, it is highly recommended to give enough breast milk to babies with low birth weight. Keep in mind, do not give other intakes other than breast milk or formula to babies under the age of 6 months.
Babies with low birth weight should drink breast milk every three hours or even every two hours. If necessary, wake the baby to feed when he is asleep.
2. Touch directly with baby
Babies born prematurely have thin fat tissue, so it will be difficult for him to maintain a warm body temperature. Direct contact and holding the baby with the kangaroo method can help keep the baby's body warm.
In addition, holding a baby with the kangaroo method also provides other benefits, such as:
- Increase baby weight
- Regulates baby's heart rate and breathing
- Help baby sleep better
- Makes baby calmer and more comfortable
3. Accompany the baby to sleep
Sleeping with your baby makes it easier for you to give breast milk at night. But keep in mind, sleeping with a baby does not mean you have to be in the same bed. You can bring your little one's bed next to your mother's bed. Also, make sure to always put the baby to sleep in a supine position.
4. Monitor baby's growth and development
Impaired growth and development is one of the complications that quite a lot occurs in babies with low birth weight. Therefore, make sure you take your little one to the pediatrician regularly, so the doctor can monitor his condition and detect possible growth and development problems early on.
5. Complete baby immunizations
Premature babies with low birth weight have weak immune systems, making them susceptible to infectious diseases. To prevent this from happening, make sure your child's immunization schedule is complete and given at the time recommended by the doctor.
6. Spending more time with baby
Babies with low birth weight need to always be in optimal conditions and a conducive environment, in order to grow and develop properly. Mothers can support their growth and development by taking the time to hold them or invite them to play. Choose games that are appropriate for your child's age.
7. Don't be afraid to ask for help
Caring for babies with LBW requires extra effort. This is certainly not easy, especially with the condition of the mother's body that still needs recovery after giving birth.
In order not to be overwhelmed, you can ask for help from your mother or in-laws for at least the first 40 days after giving birth. That way, you can rest to speed up recovery and your little one stays well-groomed.
In addition to the steps above, you also need to take the time to do activities that you like, and exercise when you feel ready. This can reduce stress and keep you excited about taking care of your little one.