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Subject:
From:
"Mading, Winifred" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:35:03 -0500
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Yes, the only official terms are "term" and "preterm".  I first heard the
expression "near term" at an ILCA Conference a few years ago.  While not an
official diagnosis, there seem to be wider differences between individual
babies in the 36,37,38 week babies that with the 34-36 or 38-41 weekers.
Unfortunately, what we see often is that when a baby is in that 36-38 range
and looks great the first day or so, too many docs go ahead and treat them
like term babies.  True, they don't need the support mechanisms (oxygen,
assisted breathing, drugs to keep breathing and heart rate WNL etc.) that
babies a couple weeks earlier often need, but they can't be expected to be
just like either earlier or later babies.  I think the "near term"
expression came about as a way of saying, "Look, these kiddos need a
different approach to care than either full term or earlier ones do."
So let's not get sidetracked with debate over terminology.  Let's
concentrate on the original intent of earlier postings - how do we best meet
the needs of these babies and their moms?  What follow-up is needed? etc.

Winnie

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