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Why aligning traditional practices and new medical knowledge is important for newborn health

In a world where medical advances are rapidly transforming healthcare, it is critical to balance traditional practices with modern interventions, especially when it comes to newborn health, says Dr. Rahul Verma, Chief of Neonatology and Director pediatrics at Sir HN. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre.

Main problems that newborns face today

Dr. Verma emphasizes that one of the most common problems in newborns is the incidence of preterm birth. However, he notes a positive trend: the increasing survival rate of premature babies, thanks to advances in neonatal care.

In addition, low birth weights and babies classified as small due to gestational age are often observed, affecting both urban and rural populations.

Navigating traditional practices

When discussing traditional newborn practices, Dr. Experience the rich history of ancient medicine. He recognizes the effectiveness of practices such as oil massage, but emphasizes the importance of understanding its purpose and implementation.

According to him, the gentle touch stimulation provided by oil massages is beneficial for babies, but the way this is done is very important. Dr. Verma suggests that family members should perform the massage gently, using only oil as a lubricant. However, he warns against using oils that can be harmful to the baby’s sensitive skin and emphasizes the importance of hygiene and cleanliness during the massage process.

Rediscovering traditional medicine

Delving deeper into traditional practices, Dr. Verma encourages awareness of their origins and purposes. For example, he explains that the traditional practice of tying black threads around a baby’s ankles was to monitor growth. However, he points out the need for coordination between several such traditional practices and modern medical knowledge.

Like Dr. Verma concludes, striking a balance between tradition and modernity is essential to ensure the optimal health and well-being of newborns. By understanding the roots and rationale behind traditional practices and integrating them with evidence-based medical interventions, we can provide comprehensive care to the newest members of our society.