Helping my premature baby
Your baby will be classed as
premature if she is born before 37 weeks, which is regarded as full-term. Not
all babies need to have special care, but some babies need to be in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until they were supposed to be born, or longer
depending on their condition.
Premature babies need lots of
love and support and it’s very important for you and your partner to be close
to, and touch your baby. Lots of hospitals now encourage ‘kangaroo care’ for
preemies – it’s where you and your partner are encouraged to carry your naked
baby around inside your clothing against your skin. Ask the staff at the NICU
for details.
Talking to and stroking your
baby so he can feel you close, and hearing the familiar voices he heard while
inside the uterus will help establish your bond and help him get stronger. The
staff in the NICU will help you with breastfeeding if your baby is able to latch on. This is important for
preemies, as it’s the best form of nutrition and strengthens your bond still
further. If you baby is very tiny and can’t breastfeed, you’ll be encouraged to
express breast milk so it can be fed to him via a tube.
If your baby was born prematurely
and has needed extra help you’ll need lots of extra support from family,
friends and your partner, both while your baby is in the NICU and when you
bring him home. If you want to meet other moms of premature babies, to share
experiences and gain advice, see our groups area to join or create a group, or our answers area, where you can post up any question and moms can
answer.
The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.
Comments 2 2
My first was born at 37 weeks so he was fine, healthy weight of 6lb 14oz. We were allowed home after 2 days. With my 2nd Son he was born at 33 weeks. I wasn't worried until the last 1/2hr of my labour. He arrived 4lb 11oz, healthy, had no help with breathing but had a tube to help with his feeds. He was in Neo Natal for 3 weeks as they wanted to make sure he was feeding well and putting on weight. I found it difficult having him in the neo natal as i had a 12 month old at home so making 4 trips a day up there was really hard and took its toll. But was so relieved when they told me i could take him home.
my 1st son was born at 35wks and altough it was scarey bein my 1st and early,not knowin what to expect-he was finehe spent his first night in scbu and he was fed by tube for 10days,once he had fed 24hrs by bottle we both went home.he's now nearly 9yrs and perfectly healthy.
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