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Dear friends and supporters of GFCNI,
This edition reflects the powerful momentum we are seeing across our network. During my recent visit to the newly expanded neonatal unit in Limerick, I was deeply inspired by the team’s commitment to dignity, privacy, and family-centered care. It is a shining example of how vision and collaboration can transform neonatal outcomes.
We also highlight research that challenges long-standing perspectives – such as the growing understanding of fathers’ influence on pregnancy and child health. These insights help us advocate for more inclusive, informed care.
And we are proud to mark ten years of “Strong Start for Little Heroes,” a campaign that has united clinics, families, and professionals in raising awareness for preterm birth.
Every story in this newsletter reflects our shared mission: to ensure every baby born receives the best possible start in life, surrounded by knowledgeable professionals and empowered families.
Thank you for your continued commitment and partnership.
With gratitude,
Silke Mader and the GFCNI team
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© GFCNI
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NAVIGATING NEONATAL CARE
Promote Neopedia in Your Community with Free Resources
Neopedia, our new multilingual information platform, offers trusted information and guidance for families of babies born preterm or sick. It also connects caregivers to local support and helps them understand and advocate for their baby’s care. Help families find the information they need by sharing Neopedia in your community. The link in this newsletter leads to a Trello board where you can access free promotional materials – including a poster, flyer, postcard, and social media banners – available in five languages: English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. Interested in learning more or promoting Neopedia further? Get in touch and our team will be happy to support your efforts.
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© GFCNI
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STRONG START FOR LITTLE HEROES 2025
Celebrating 10 Years of “Strong Start for Little Heroes” – Join the Anniversary Edition!
We are excited to announce the 10th anniversary of our campaign “Strong Start for Little Heroes” (“Starker Start für kleine Helden”)! Once again, we warmly invite neonatal intensive care units in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to register and take part. To mark this milestone, all participating clinics will receive an enhanced campaign package with new materials to support their World Prematurity Day 2025 activities. This year’s edition includes exclusive anniversary items – stay tuned for details! As a special highlight, participating neonatal units will also have the chance to win exciting prizes. Don’t miss out – sign up today! Please note: the campaign is conducted in German.
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© UMHL
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FACILITY EXPANSION
Limerick’s New Neonatal Unit Champions Family-Centered Critical Care
University Maternity Hospital Limerick has opened a newly expanded neonatal unit, significantly advancing critical care for preterm and sick newborns. The facility offers selected overnight rooms for parents, modern infrastructure, and an environment designed to foster dignity and partnership in care. GFCNI Chairwoman Silke Mader visited the unit and praised its commitment to family integration. We sincerely thank Professor Roy Philip, the hospital’s dedicated staff, and the HSE for their contributions to this inspiring project. The Limerick unit stands as a model of how system-level investment can place families at the center of neonatal care.
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© ΜΩΡΑ ΘΑΥΜΑΤΑ
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POLICY AND ADVOCACY
From First Breath to Adulthood: Cyprus Puts Preterm Health on the Agenda
Our partner parent organization “ΜΩΡΑ ΘΑΥΜΑΤΑ” (“Miracle Babies”) hosted a national symposium in Cyprus under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, focusing on continuity of care for preterm and sick children. High-level attendees included the Minister of Health and Commissioners for Citizen and Children’s Rights. Keynotes by GFCNI Chairwoman Silke Mader and Professor Dieter Wolke emphasized the need for integrated long-term care and family inclusion. We thank our partners in Cyprus for their commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable newborns and their families through evidence-based advocacy, political engagement, and collaboration.
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© Oleksandra Balyasna
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BUILDING THE FUTURE OF FOLLOW-UP CARE IN UKRAINE
Training Unites Experts for Early Assessment of Child Development
Bringing together 50 healthcare professionals from 16 regions of Ukraine, our partner parent organization “Early Birds” hosted a certified training in early developmental assessment and follow-up care for infants at risk. Guided by international experts, participants learned to apply highly effective and globally recognized tools, enabling timely interventions that significantly improve the quality of life for children and their families. Following the in-person training, technical equipment was distributed to all participating hospitals, and online webinars took place, which attracted over 2,800 participants from across Ukraine. Together, these events aim to support the creation of a national follow-up system that gives every child the best chance for a full life.
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© Miracle Babies Foundation
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CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Kylie Pussell Receives Prestigious National Recognition
CEO and co-founder of Miracle Babies Foundation, Kylie Pussell, has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal General Division for her tireless dedication to neonatal support. Her passion and advocacy is driven by her personal tragedy and triumph. After multiple miscarriages and NICU journeys, she became a voice for countless families navigating the trauma of preterm birth. Kylie’s passion for helping others has transformed loss into purpose and grief into impact. This prestigious honor celebrates her extraordinary contribution to neonatal community health and her unwavering support for families of sick or preterm babies. Congratulations, Kylie!
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© Unsplash
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PERFUSION SYSTEM
Simple Equipment – Big Results
Preterm infants often need central lines to receive lifesaving care, but these lines can increase the risk of infection. Infections related to central lines remain a serious concern in neonatal care. A new French study tested whether switching to a closed perfusion system could reduce infection rates – and found an 88% decrease. The findings suggest that a relatively simple system change can significantly improve safety for vulnerable infants.
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© Pexels
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RESEARCH INSIGHTS
More Than Genetics – How Fathers Influence Pregnancy Outcomes
Emerging research highlights the critical role fathers play in pregnancy beyond conception. A recent review shows that paternal health, age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures can significantly impact fetal development and birth outcomes – including risks for preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Epigenetic mechanisms link paternal behavior to childhood health, from neurodevelopmental disorders to metabolic disease. These findings underscore the importance of involving fathers in reproductive health and promoting healthy paternal habits before and during pregnancy.
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© Pexels
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BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES AND HIV
When Guidelines Differ, So Do Choices
The option to breastfeed is highly valued by many mothers – including those living with HIV. However, in Europe, whether breastfeeding is supported varies widely from country to country. A new survey highlights the inconsistency in national guidelines and an increasing number of women with HIV who choose to breastfeed. The findings show that clear communication and supportive care are essential for informed and safe infant feeding decisions.
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