Pune’s Bharati Hospital Launches Reading Campaign for NICU Newborns to Enhance Cognitive Development

Pune, 16th August 2024: When a baby is born prematurely or faces complications after birth, they are often placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a challenging time for both the family and the baby. To support the cognitive development of newborns during this critical period, Bharati Hospital in Pune has introduced the ‘Babies with Books’ campaign.

The birth of a baby is a joyous occasion for every family. However, some mothers deliver as early as the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, and in some cases, babies may develop physical complications even after full-term pregnancies. These babies often require admission to the NICU, which can be a stressful period for both the infant and the family. For instance, when a baby is born in the seventh month, it typically takes around two and a half months for recovery.

Doctors continuously strive to improve outcomes, and globally, efforts are being made to reduce the risk of developmental delays in premature babies. One such initiative is the ‘Babies with Books’ concept, now being implemented in Bharati Hospital’s NICU. Research has shown that the sound of parents’ voices positively impacts brain development in newborns. This understanding led to the idea of reading books aloud to infants to enhance their language and cognitive skills in the future.

The vibrant colors of children’s books, combined with the rhythmic sound of a mother’s voice while reading, help capture the baby’s attention. This unique form of interaction has been found to positively influence brain development, aiding in the baby’s faster recovery.

To implement the ‘Babies with Books’ concept, the initiative was taken by the Head of the Department of Neonatology, Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi, along with Physiotherapist Dr. Puja Padbidri, and Paediatricians Dr. Nandini Malshe and Dr. Suprabha Patnaik. Those interested in donating books for this initiative are encouraged to contact Bharati Hospital.

Dr. Asmita Jagtap, Head of the Department of Health Sciences at Bharati University, stated, “Read-a-thon week is celebrated worldwide from 9th to 19th September to promote the concept of ‘Babies with Books.’ This friendly reading competition aims to improve the NICU experience. Bharati Hospital is the first in the country to participate in this initiative.”

Dr. Sanjay Lalwani, Medical Director of Bharati Hospital, added, “Bharati Hospital guides parents on when to start reading to their children and what types of books to choose. Along with this, we contribute to the baby’s development by implementing many other activities.”