Severance Children's Hospital hosted a special Homecoming Day last Saturday, inviting children who were born prematurely and their families. This marks the second annual event following last year's inaugural celebration.

The event, which took place at a nearby school, saw the participation of over 100 attendees, including 44 children and their families, and the Severance Hospital medical team consisting of 35 neonatology professors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Premature babies are those born before 37 weeks of gestation. They often face growth, immunity, and development challenges as their physical development is slower than those born at full term.

The parents of these children frequently grapple with the dual pressure of managing potential health complications while also caring for their child's regular needs.

This underscores the need for ongoing medical attention and support even after the babies are discharged.

Recognizing these unique challenges, the Neonatology Department at Severance Children's Hospital has operated the SMILE project since 2021.

SMILE stands for support, milestone, improvement in quality of life, love, and education, and the project is designed to maintain a strong relationship between the medical staff, premature children, and their parents post-discharge.

The program offers various services, such as growth and developmental counseling in collaboration with the nutrition and rehabilitation teams, psychological counseling for parents, and dedicated communication sessions between parents and doctors.

This year's Homecoming Day is an expansion of the SMILE project as it enhances the bond between healthcare professionals and the families of premature children.

The event witnessed the children, now thriving and healthy, indulging in various fun activities like running, playing ball games, and enjoying games alongside their parents and the medical staff.

Among the attendees was an eight-year-old boy, who was born weighing just 0.65kg and underwent treatment at Severance Children's Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit for three months.

Through the SMILE project, both the boy and his parents have seen improvements in physical and emotional health.

With assistance from the nutrition and rehabilitation teams, the boy has experienced significant growth over the years and enjoys a healthy social life with peers.

"It's heartwarming to see how these children, who came into the world a bit earlier than expected, have grown with the love and attention from their families and our medical team," Professor Park Min-soo said. "The SMILE project at Severance Children's Hospital represents another dimension of healthcare, focusing on both physical and emotional well-being, grounded in the deep connection between medical staff, children, and their parents."