On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, celebrated on November 12th, Sant Pau and FETB highlight the work of Neonatology and Pediatrics professionals and the psychological support program they have jointly developed since 2001. The premature birth or admission of a baby to the Neonatal ICU can cause concern, fear, uncertainty, and guilt in families.
Psychological support can begin even before birth, during pregnancy, if there is a threat of premature labor or a risk situation. Once the baby is admitted to the ICU, the program's three psychologists work in coordination with the medical teams to nurture the bond with the baby, provide emotional support to the family, and detect potential developmental difficulties in the infant.
The support also includes delicate moments such as communicating a complex diagnosis, making difficult decisions, or dealing with neonatal loss, with subsequent support during the grieving process. Follow-up can continue through Pediatric Outpatient Clinics up to the age of seven for infants at risk of developmental difficulties, guiding families and facilitating access to resources.
Data from 2025 reflect the scale of this work: Sant Pau's Neonatal ICU recorded 216 admissions, 25 hospital interconsultations were carried out, 10 cases of high-risk pregnancies and 7 cases of perinatal or neonatal loss were attended. Additionally, over 500 visits were made to Outpatient Clinics.
The program also cares for professionals, offering spaces to process and address experiences arising from working with situations of high clinical and emotional complexity. This 2026, coinciding with the 25 years of collaboration, the Hospital emphasizes this comprehensive care model that supports the baby and their family over time.
