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.
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Last Modified: 07/05/2007
Related Chat 8
It's amazing what they can do for premi babies now! my baby girl was born at 31wks and weighed just 2lb 10oz! She was a little fighter and only need a bit of oxygen for 2days and one session of phototherapy and that was it she finally came home weighing 3lb 1oz and she's now 33wks weighing 11lb 2oz. still a little small but just perfect!! the NICU unit in portsmouth st.marys hospital were fantastic, caring and understanding!! i couldn't fault them!!
my son was at st marys and i cant faulter the new born unit they were great ,im so glad things are going well for you..godd luck in the years ahead with your bundle of joy.x
my nephew was born at 27+5 weeks. He weighed just over 2lb. He was on oxygen for months, contracted MRSA and needed rescusitating 3 times. He finaly left the hospital on his due date..and came home with his oxygen. He also had a heart murmur. He is now almost 5 and although still a titch for his age..he has no lasting effects of his trumatic birth and is a fantastic chappie. His big sister was born at 32 weeks and is now a strapping 10 yr old. Its amazing what babies can get through and i know my sister in law and brother thank the london hospital who looked after Harry and got him through the worst.
It's amazing what they can do for premi babies now! my baby girl was born at 31wks and weighed just 2lb 10oz! She was a little fighter and only need a bit of oxygen for 2days and one session of phototherapy and that was it she finally came home weighing 3lb 1oz and she's now 33wks weighing 11lb 2oz. still a little small but just perfect!! the NICU unit in portsmouth st.marys hospital were fantastic, caring and understanding!! i couldn't fault them!!
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