Parental guidance before and after a premature birth
Premature birth is a life-changing event for parents, and it often comes without prior preparation. These experiences often begin during a high-risk pregnancy, continue with the coping with prematurity, and accompany the family throughout life. Professional and emotional support helps parents navigate this challenging journey.
In preparation for birth, when there is a concern about premature birth, parents need support already in the stages of pregnancy. Groups like "Hello, you are already in Highrisk."Provide emotional support and practical information, as well as a place to share feelings and fears. These groups are accompanied by experienced volunteers, who have also experienced premature births, and understand the needs of parents.
While staying in the maternity wardParents experience uncertainty and daily dealing with complex medical situations. The medical team accompanies them through the process of getting to know prematurity, while the Lahav Association provides complementary support through a hotline and dedicated support groups. These groups allow parents to share their experiences, consult, and find a listening ear from parents in a similar situation.
Each pregnancy has its own group. In addition, there is a support group for everyone involved. In pumping milk and beyond breastfeeding. And also a separate group forFathers of premature babies And a separate group forMothers of premature babies.
Supporting parents after a surrogacy birth abroad
A premature birth through surrogacy abroad adds a significant challenge to the parents: they are far from home, in a hospital where the language and culture are unfamiliar. In such situations, the experience of premature birth may be much more complex, and accompanied by a sense of loneliness and helplessness.
The Lahav Association has opened a dedicated group For parents of premature babies born through surrogacy abroad, which provides emotional support, practical information, and a place to share experiences. The group connects parents who are currently in a situation and parents who have been in a similar situation in the past, helping them cope with the challenging stay, until they return home.
The hotline
In the past, the Lahav Association operated a teleoffice service that provided a response to parents of premature babies 24/7. Today, the association's hotline is adapted to changing needs: you can dial and receive a text message with concentrated information, start a WhatsApp conversation for convenient communication, or leave a message, and experienced volunteers will return as soon as possible with a professional and caring response. The hotline continues to serve as a central tool for supporting parents, ensuring them access to information, a listening ear, and practical help at all times.
Assistance in exercising rights
Parents of premature babies are entitled to a variety of rights and assistance from the state, but often have difficulty navigating the complex system of the National Insurance and health care systems. Key rights include extended special maternity leave, temporary disability benefits ("premature baby circular"), and entitlement to paramedical care in the community. In addition, it is of great importance to know the rights in the field of vaccinations, such as the entitlement to the RSV vaccine and the right to receive breast milk from the National Milk Bank. The Lahav Association operates a hotline that assists parents in exercising their rights, and provides comprehensive information through its website and various support groups. This support is especially essential at significant junctures such as the transition from prematurity to home, entry into the education system, and periods when special treatments are required.
Advice and support in dealing with the medical system
Dealing with the medical system poses a significant challenge for parents of premature babies, from the days of hospitalization in the neonatal unit to long-term follow-up. Parents are required to maneuver between different departments, doctors, specialists, and diverse treatments.
Below are some of the healthcare professions you will encounter along the way.
