Infova Foundation addresses all the issues related to Child and Mother Care. It’s never been a more exciting time to be in the mother and baby business. Our understanding of what defines a healthy pregnancy has grown dramatically in recent years as researchers turn out fascinating studies on prematurity, the risk of elective inductions, sleep, and breastfeeding.

We now know that women who elect to have C-sections before 39 weeks that are not medically necessary may jeopardize the health of their babies. Organization’s such as the Association of Women’s Obstetrical and Neonatal Nurses with its Go the Full 40 campaign and the March of Dimes Healthy babies are worth the wait send a strong signal that women and their physicians who schedule deliveries at 37 and 38 weeks may unwittingly raise their baby’s risk of health problems, including respiratory distress, jaundice, infections, and developmental delays.

Exciting research is now underway showing a link between cervical length and premature birth. And, in one of the more interesting findings, Finnish and U.S. researchers recently announced the discovery of a gene linked to premature birth.

In late February, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its policy statement in the journal Pediatrics, renewing its recommendation for exclusive breast-feeding for the baby’s first 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding along with complimentary foods. Time magazine jumped on the story to declare the AAP had “recalibrated the national dialogue on breast-feeding, deeming it a public health issue and not only a lifestyle choice.”

We’re even learning the quality of babies’ sleep may have a dramatic affect on their development. One new study shows that apnea, snoring, and mouth-breathing may disrupt a child’s sleep, potentially altering brain development and behavior as the child grows. For the full story, click here.

This powerful research is contributing to an exciting discussion on how we can improve maternal and infant health across the globe. Those of us in the medical device industry have a responsibility to listen – and to respond. Last year, Philips formally launched the Mother and Child Care business within Philips Healthcare and Philips AVENT in a renewed commitment to this important patient group. We deliver a wide range of imaging and monitoring products, developmentally supportive NICU and PICU solutions including infant warming, and clinical information systems for mother and babies in the hospital. Once they are back at home, Philips provides nursing, feeding, soothing, jaundice management, and monitoring solutions to help put them on the healthiest path possible.

Although more research is always needed, science is firmly on the side of mothers and babies. Doctors, nurses, families – and now industry – is by their side too.