Entitlements of Parents of Premature Babies

Being the parent of a preterm baby can be both challenging and exciting. The experience may also involve stress, uncertainty, and anticipation about what lies ahead. Even before your baby is discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit, it is very important to know what you are entitled to as parents of a preterm baby and your baby's entitlements. We have gathered all the relevant information you need for this period and the coming months.

RSV Vaccination

RSV causes respiratory illnesses in preterm babies and infants. RSV vaccine has been added to the immunization schedule and is given to all preterm babies and infants in a single shot during the first RSV season (August through March). Infants and toddlers who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease are also eligible for vaccination during the second RSV season.

Information about RSV vaccine

Extending Maternity Leave for Mothers of Hospitalized Babies

Mothers whose babies are hospitalized for more than 15 days are eligible to extend their maternity leave by the number of days their baby was hospitalized from the date of birth and receive maternity benefits for those days. For example, if the baby was hospitalized for 20 days from birth, the mother is eligible to extend her leave by an additional 20 days.

The maximum extension, depending on the length of hospitalization, is up to 20 weeks. Mothers whose baby is hospitalized for up to 15 days are not eligible for an extension of maternity leave.

Applying to Extend Maternity Benefits Due to Hospitalization

• Attach a confirmation from the hospital to the claim form, including the mother's details, the baby's details, and the hospitalization period.
• Salaried employees must attach confirmation from their employer of the extension or split of their maternity leave.
• Self-employed workers must attach a written declaration.

Apply to extend or split maternity benefits on the National Insurance Institute website

Use Child Sick Days and Receive a "Disabled Child" Allowance

Caring for preterm babies early in life can be demanding and requires flexibility and finding solutions for a daily routine that now includes treatments, follow-up appointments, and close supervision. Babies born prematurely who have various functional and developmental difficulties, such as feeding difficulties and immature body systems, require significant attention and resources from their parents. As a result, several eligibility criteria have been established by the National Insurance Institute that allow parents to use child sick days and receive a temporary Disabled Child Allowance (for up to 6 months).

• Sick Pay Law (Absence Due to a Child's Illness), 5753-1993
• Criteria for National Insurance benefits for preterm babies, on the LAHAV Association website

Developmental Follow-Up for Preterm Babies

Follow-up and care for preterm babies and medically complex newborns after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit into the community help maintain continuity of care, which is very important for their health and healthy development. In 2016, the Ministry of Health published a circular that included the following updates:

1. Parents are advised to register their baby with a pediatrician and a Family Care Center before discharge and to transfer the relevant medical information to ensure continuity of care.
2. It is recommended to meet with a pediatrician within 2 weeks of discharge.
3. All preterm babies should receive a physical therapy assessment within 3 months of discharge, and medically complex preterm babies within 1 month.
4. Medically complex preterm babies should receive a nutritional assessment within 1 month of discharge.

More information about the circular on preterm babies in the community, on the Ministry of Health website

Child Development Institutes

Child development institutes diagnose and treat children with severe and complex developmental problems. Their teams include professionals from all areas of child development, including specialist physicians and health professionals in speech-language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and social work, as well as consultants in relevant medical fields such as genetics, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and others.

Child Development Units

Children who are diagnosed at child development institutes with various types of developmental delays are usually referred for treatment at child development units. For example, a preterm baby with a developmental problem who needs treatment in several areas must receive treatment at a child development institute or child development unit.

Human Milk Bank

Breast milk provides the healthiest and best nutrition for preterm babies and infants in general. When a mother is unable to provide the amount of milk her baby needs, pasteurized breast milk from the National Human Milk Bank can be used, especially for preterm babies.

More information about the National Human Milk Bank

For More Questions About Your Entitlements

LAHAV, the Association for Preterm Babies in Israel

Hotline: 03-9533935, for support, information, and assistance during and after your baby's stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, 24 hours a day.

Email: info@pagim.net

Website: www.pagim.net

National Insurance Institute

Call center: *6050 or 04-8812345