November 17 (BTA) - While November 17 marks World Prematurity Day, public buildings and cultural monuments are traditionally illuminated purple.

On this occasion, the Bulgarian "Our Premature Infants" foundation informed that family access to neonatology units has been severely limited in the last two years. The infants recover with no parental hugs, love or care.

A special initiative, titled #NoSeparation / The Voice Heals, encourages parents to send audio messages to their babies, making them feel loved. Medical staff will help in conducting the initiative.

Studies show that listening to the mother's voice has soothing effect on a baby, as it stabilizes their heart rate and respiratory functions, the foundation said.

According to a European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) survey, conducted in 56 countries, 42 per cent of parents polled in Bulgaria were completely isolated from their infants, while the corresponding number worldwide is some 21 per cent. What is even more alarming is that nearly 75 per cent of parents in Bulgaria have not received any psychological support, while only 45 per cent worldwide stress such a lack, "Our Premature Infants" foundation added. VE/KK

Source: Sofia