LIFE SAVING SUPPORT FOR A NEW BORN DURING LOCK DOWN

 

During the lock down, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, each and every individual must be vigilant and careful. However, in the case of pregnant women or women who have just delivered a baby with complications, needs to be extra careful and reach out to the right authorities for the necessary precautions and care.

On 4^th May 2020, CHILDLINE Kochi, Kerala received a call from a father reporting about his 10-day old new born baby’s need for immediate medical support. The baby was born at a general hospital in Ernakulum. Due to breathing problems, the baby was put on a ventilator and referred to Lakshmi hospital. As per the medical report, the baby was suffering from breathing problems coupled with a neurological condition and bleeding in the head.  The child was suffering with hydrocephalus and was in a very critical condition.  For urgent medical intervention the child was taken from Lakshmi Hospital, Ernakulum to Kottayam Medical College (KMC), Kottayam.

The parents also requested for help in settling bills at Lakshmi Hospital, before the discharge. CHILDLINE informed the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Chairperson. On the same day, CHILDLINE coordinated for all the necessary services and transferred the baby to KMC. In this case, CHILDLINE received unconditional support from IMA (Indian Medical Association) Kochi Chapter and NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) for providing the ambulance and medics to transfer the child to KMC.

On 5^th May 2020, CHILDLINE paid the bills at Lakshmi Hospital. Two members from the CHILDLINE team accompanied the baby, medics and paramedics to KMC. On 8^th May 2020, the father informed CHILDLINE about the gradual progress of the baby who has begun the natural process of breast feeding. The baby doesn’t require surgery, however, will need physiotherapy. The family thanked CHILDLINE for the timely intervention and support.

ONE MORE FAMILY RESCUED FROM THE BRINK OF STARVATION

In an attempt to control the spread of the Coronavirus, the Government of India has announced a complete lockdown. While this precautionary measure is helping to control the spread of this contagious virus, it has led to the rise of major crises for daily wage earners and migrant workers.

They are the worst sufferers of the side effects of the lockdown. They usually live hand-to-mouth and without their daily earnings, they can barely provide for their family. Currently, most of the daily wage earners and migrant workers are out of jobs. It has become extremely difficult for them to feed their family.

CHILDLINE 1098 received a call from a helpless father whose three children have been starving for 3 days. Hailing from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Prashant Sinha (name changed to protect identity) came to Vapi, Gujarat nine years ago to work in a tailoring company. Five months ago, he brought his 3 children, Samir age 11 years, Akash age 6 years and Vikram 4 years old (names changed to protect identity) to his residence in Vapi-Valsad.

During the initial days, of the COVID -19 outbreak, the factory owner gave the father some money and necessities. But soon they ran out of resources and the money. The CHILDLINE team member working on this case coordinated with the district administration authorities to arrange for ration and food items for the family.

Within no time, the DSP of Valsad sent his team with all the ration and food items to the family. Upon receiving groceries from the police, the father immediately informed CHILDLINE and thanked for co-coordinating and arranging for food. 

In these challenging times, CHILDLINE is receiving thousands of calls from children and parents who need help to buy ration and food items. You too can join hands with CHILDLINE 1098 and help us fulfil their needs.

MANAGING THE MENTAL WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN DURING LOCKDOWN

In the wake of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdown period is also increasing and becoming further restrictive. There is no denying of its impact on mental health. As adults, we are more conscious of the given situation and are trying to manage and exude it in the best possible manner. However, in the case of children, the response to such situations is very different.

Like adults, children too are experiencing drastic changes in their daily schedules. Going out, indulging in outdoor activities, playing with friends is vital for a child’s psychosocial development. However, due to the lockdown, children are now confined at home for longer durations. Therefore, being stressful, cranky or irritable is extremely normal in these situations. Following are few ways to lift the spirits of children during the lockdown.

Lending a patient ear

When children feel stressed, they want someone to LISTEN to them. As parents, you should be patient and allow them to express themselves freely. Listen to their queries and answer them honestly. If they are curious about the Coronavirus and the lockdown, focus on the preventive measures and the positives of the lockdown. A good conversation is a great way to elevate stress among children.

Encourage Scribbling

Motivate your children to write and draw what they think and feel about the current situation. Let them sit by the well in your house or in the drawing-room of your apartment and allow them to put their feelings and emotions on the paper. While writing and drawing, children tend to understand themselves better as well as help the parent in understanding and supporting the children during a difficult time. 

Set Routine

Whether you live in a small village or a big city, setting a daily time-table for your children will help them stay focused. You can add plenty of breaks, meal-time, nap-time, TV time and internet time in the timetable. Parents can also prepare a time-table for themselves so that they can schedule their breaks with the children. In this way, parents can also spend quality time with children.

Seek professional help

If you feel that your child needs counselling, there is no harm in going for professional help. Many mental health experts are providing their services online. You can also call on CHILDLINE 1098 for psychosocial support from any part of India. With professional help, you can create a positive environment at home where children can be safe, healthy and develop their full potential.