Hi-tech ponchos keeping premature babies healthy at WCH

Tiny twins Kora and Sage were quickly wrapped in specially-designed plastic ponchos seconds after birth. It may have saved them.

Technology like that used to save mountaineers suffering hypothermia has given Adelaide premature twins Kora and Sage Sampson the best chance of a healthy life.

The tiny duo were wrapped in specially-designed plastic ponchos seconds after birth at the Womens and Children’s Hospital last year to quickly stabilise their body temperature.

Keeping preterm babies warm immediately after birth reduces the risk of brain injuries, severe gut disease, chronic lung disease, and infections.

Kora and Sage were born at 28 weeks last October weighing 1.2kg and 969 grams. They spent 10 weeks on lung support.

Adelaide Mum Mandy Lewis and six-month-old twin daughters Kora and Sage. Picture: Emma Brasier

Both girls are now thriving, with the youngest of the two – Sage – this month reaching a weight of 6kg (1kg above her older sister).

“I can’t believe they are same the babies,” said their mother and WCH midwife Mandy Lewis.

“They are big, plump babies who are meeting all their milestones – we are very lucky.

“We are so lucky to have access to such expert medical knowledge and medical professionals and to have these breakthrough initiatives – like the ponchos that is something so simple and yet so effective.”

Sage Sampson two weeks after she was born. Picture: Supplied by family

Kora Sampson two weeks after she was born. Picture: Supplied by family

The plastic ponchos have helped stabilise the body temperatures of more than 70 per cent of premature babies born at the WCH as part of a trial that began about two years ago.

Body temperature stabilisation has improved 10 per cent since the ponchos were applied.

Today more than 150 WCH hospital staff are trained to apply the ponchos straight after birth on all babies born earlier than 32 weeks or who weigh less than 1500 grams.

Women’s and Children’s Health Network neonatal intensive care unit clinical nurse Angela Cavallaro with the plastic-like poncho that wraps around premature babies to reduce the health problems associated with hypothermia. Picture: Emma Brasier

It’s an initiative that gives babies born early the best opportunity for a healthy life, Women’s and Children’s Health Network neonatal intensive care unit clinical nurse Angela Cavallaro said.

“If premature babies aren’t kept warm in the first few hours of life this can impact their long-term health and wellbeing for years to come,” said Ms Cavallaro.