Infant Mortality: Let's talk about this sensitive topic

A child is the most precious asset a family has. However, sometimes unimaginable tragedies happen. There is no greater pain than the loss of a small child before they even celebrate their first birthday. This is an experience that cannot be described in words, it is heartbreaking. Today we are going to talk about this very sensitive topic, that is, ' Infant Mortality '. This is not just a statistic, there is a tearful story behind every number. We are talking about this not only to be afraid or sad, but to understand the reasons that lead to such things happening and to be aware of what we can do to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Simply put, what is Infant Mortality?

In medical terms, infant mortality refers to the death of a baby within the first year of life, that is, before the age of 12 months. There is another term that goes hand in hand with this , neonatal mortality . It refers to the death of a baby within the first 28 days of life.

Doctors and researchers use these words to find the causes of infant deaths and talk about ways to prevent them. But for a mother or father who has lost a child, this is not just a medical term. It is the loss of a part of themselves. It is a great pain that makes you unable to figure out how to move forward.

This is really not a good thing to happen. Every baby should be born healthy and have the good fortune to celebrate not only their first and second birthdays, but many more. But how many things can affect the health of a baby and a family? Sometimes there are things we can't control. That's why it's so important to be aware of this and do exactly what we can control.

What are the main causes of infant mortality?

The causes of infant mortality today are different from those in the past. With the advancement of medical science, many things have been able to be controlled. Nowadays, especially in developed countries, there are several main causes that affect infant mortality.

How was the situation in the past?

Much earlier than today, about 100 years ago, infectious diseases were the leading cause of infant mortality. Imagine how many babies would have died from diseases like diarrhea, measles, whooping cough, and pneumonia back then?

But with the development of public health services, this situation changed completely.

• Providing clean drinking water .
• Pasteurization of milk.
• Successful implementation of vaccination programs .

Due to such things, it has been possible to significantly reduce infant deaths from infectious diseases. Our Sri Lanka is also a country that has implemented these vaccination programs very successfully. Because the family health service officers (Midwives) in our country visit homes and check on this, the infant mortality rate in our country is very low when compared to other countries in South Asia. That is a great achievement for us.

What is measured by IMR (Infant Mortality Rate)?

You've probably heard this term before. IMR stands for Infant Mortality Rate . Simply put, it measures the number of babies who die before reaching the age of one year out of every 1,000 live births in a given area or country.

Researchers use this data to identify which areas and populations need the most health care, and to plan future health policies and programs accordingly.

The IMR varies greatly between countries in the world. In countries like Japan and Singapore, the rate is very low (about 2 per 1,000 babies). However, in some poor countries in Africa, the rate is very high (more than 70 per 1,000 babies). This shows how much a baby's life expectancy varies depending on where they are born and the resources they have.

Can we prevent these infant deaths?

This is the most important question. The answer is, yes, it is possible. Not all infant deaths can be prevented. Some birth complications are beyond our control. But there are many things we can do to reduce the risk. We can do these things to increase our chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

1. Before Pregnancy

• See a doctor: If you are planning to have a baby, see a doctor to check your health before you get pregnant. If you have any medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is important to get them under control before you get pregnant.
• Start taking folic acid: Taking folic acid pills at least 3 months before conceiving a baby can help prevent neural tube defects in the baby's nervous system.

2. During Pregnancy

• Don't skip the clinic for any reason: The system of antenatal clinics in our country is very strong. Attend the clinics on the scheduled dates as per the instructions given by your local midwife and doctor. That way, you can be constantly aware of your and your baby's health.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eat a nutritious, balanced diet. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol completely. Do not take any medication without consulting your doctor.
• Be aware of the danger signs: If you feel your baby's movements slowing down, if there is blood or watery discharge from the vagina, if you have a severe headache or blurred vision, go to the hospital immediately. These could be signs of a dangerous condition.

3. After Birth

• Safe Sleep: This is the most important thing to prevent SIDS .
• Always put your baby to sleep on their back. Never on their side or stomach.
• Keep the baby's sleeping area (crib or cot) empty . Only put a thick blanket on top of the mattress. Do not put pillows, blankets, or soft toys. These can suffocate the baby.
• Don't let your baby overheat. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
• It is safest to put your baby to sleep in the same room as you, but in a separate, safe place (co-sleeper or crib).
• Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first 6 months. Breastfeeding strengthens the baby's immune system and protects against infections.
• Timely vaccinations: According to the National Immunization Program, give all the vaccines your baby needs on time.
• Safety during car trips: Whenever you take your baby in a car, use a car seat that fits your baby. Install it properly. Carrying a baby on your lap is very dangerous.

If you know someone who is going through the pain of losing a child, rather than blaming them, be a good friend who listens to them and shares their pain. Also, if you are a pregnant mother or expecting a baby, don't doubt anything. Ask your doctor or family health worker about any questions or concerns you may have. They are there to help you.