Caring for a premature baby, or preemie is a journey filled with mixed emotions, from joy and hope to worry and uncertainty. Every milestone feels like a triumph, and every challenge a test. In this article, we explore the unique considerations and support needed to nurture these tiny fighters, offering insights and guidance to help parents navigate the path of preemie care with resilience and love.
Understanding a Premature Baby
Born before the 37th week of pregnancy, preemies face unique medical challenges as they enter the world earlier than expected. Depending on the degree of prematurity, these infants are often smaller and lighter than full-term babies with underdeveloped organs and systems. Without proper treatment, a preemie has a higher risk of complications such as feeding difficulties, respiratory distress syndrome, and jaundice.
For their safety, premature babies are often kept in the neonatal intensive care unit for specialized medical care and monitoring. In this unit, a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including neonatologists, nurses, and other specialists, pay close attention to their growth and provide appropriate medical interventions to ensure optimal development.
Once deemed stable, parents are able to take their baby home. While this is an exhilarating moment, it is one that is accompanied by fear and anxiety, as parents must now navigate the road of preemie care on their own.
Medical Care and Monitoring
Even after being discharged from the hospital, a premature baby still requires ongoing medical care to monitor and maintain their growth. Typically, preemies should visit the pediatrician within 2–4 days of discharge unless the pediatrician was already involved during the hospital stay. In such cases, follow-up visits may be scheduled later.
In addition to visits with a pediatrician, many preemies require visits with other medical specialists. These specialists may include early intervention specialists, neurologists, ophthalmologists, and physical therapists. These appointments are essential for assessing the baby’s vision, hearing, speech, and motor skills, ensuring that any developmental delays or health concerns are addressed early on. It’s important for parents to follow up with these specialists regularly to ensure their child receives the best possible care and support for their unique needs as a preemie.
Feeding a Preemie
Before going home, preemies are often given a tailored feeding plan, as they require extra calories to support their development and catch up to the growth of full-term babies. While some premature babies can successfully breastfeed or bottle-feed, others may experience difficulties coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing during oral feeding. In such cases, alternative feeding methods are employed, such as:
- An NG tube, which is inserted through the nose and delivers milk or nutrition directly into the baby’s stomach
- A G-tube, surgically inserted through the skin, provides direct access to the baby’s stomach for feeding.
For premature babies who cannot be fed through the stomach, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may be necessary. TPN is a solution containing all the essential nutrients required for the baby’s growth and development, administered through an IV catheter in the vein. Parents need to stay in close contact with their infant’s healthcare providers to ensure the feeding approach is working and is adjusted as necessary to support their little one’s health and well-being.
Preventing Infections
Protecting your premature baby from infections is vital as their immune system develops. Not only are you giving your little ones the best chance to stay healthy, but you are also helping them stay comfortable and happy as they grow. Here are practical steps to keep your premature baby safe:
- Stay home more. Limit outings, especially in the early weeks, and try scheduling medical visits for mornings to avoid crowded waiting areas.
- Be cautious with visitors. Keep gatherings small and ensure everyone washes their hands before holding your baby. Sick visitors, even if they are loved ones, should stay away until they’re better.
- If possible, breastfeed your preemie. Breast milk contains antibodies to help boost your baby’s immune system and protect against infections.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often, especially before handling your baby or preparing their bottles. Encourage family members and visitors to do the same.
- Maintain a clean environment. Keep your home clean and free from dust, mold, and other allergens that could irritate your baby’s respiratory system.
- Keep up with vaccines. Ensure your baby gets all the recommended shots, and ensure family members are up to date on theirs, too.
- Ask your doctor about options to protect your baby from RSV and other infections personalized to your child’s needs.
- Stay vigilant for any signs of infection in your baby, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or changes in behavior. Contact your baby’s healthcare team immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Caring for Preemie Breathing
Premature infants may experience periods of apnea or pauses in breathing after being born, and it typically resolves before they go home. Rest assured, doctors will keep a preemie in the neonatal intensive care unit if apnea causes a change in color or a slow heart rate.
In cases when a preemie requires an apnea monitor even after being discharged, it is best for parents to undergo training on its use and become familiar with infant CPR. This ensures that caregivers can respond promptly and effectively to any alarms or changes in their baby’s breathing patterns, providing the necessary support for their respiratory health at home.
Some premature may develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a lung condition that results in scarring and irritation. These babies may require extra oxygen and medications to support their lung function, so arrangements need to be made before bringing the baby home. Every hospital has a different protocol, so don’t hesitate to discuss any care concerns or questions with the preemie care team.
Bonding with a Preemie
Bonding with a premature baby, especially one still in the NICU may seem difficult, but it really just requires a little adaptability. Despite the medical concerns, there are several meaningful ways to establish and nurture a strong bond, such as:
- Skin-to-skin contact. Spending time just holding your baby against your bare chest is enough to share comfort and build an emotional connection. It can also regulate your baby’s body temperature and promote better sleep.
- Even if you are not yet able to hold your NICU baby, gentle touch and your voice are powerful tools for bonding. Stroke your baby’s skin gently, speak softly, and sing lullabies. Your baby will feel your presence and respond to your affection.
- Read stories and talk to your baby while they are in the NICU to help establish a family environment. Not only does your voice provide reassurance, but it also stimulates your preemie’s cognitive development and language skills.
- While your little one is still admitted, try to be a part of your baby’s care routine as much as possible. From changing diapers to feeding sessions, participating in these activities helps you feel more connected to your baby’s daily life.
Remember that bonding with your premature or NICU baby is a gradual process that will take time and effort. So, be patient with yourself and your baby, and cherish each moment of connection, no matter how long or short it may be in these early days.
Embrace Preemie Care with Confidence
To care for a premature baby, new parents need to understand their unique needs, paying special attention to feeding, breathing, bonding, and preventing infection. With the right approach, parents can provide the best possible start for their early arrivals, nurturing them to grow and thrive.
Having said that, preemie care also requires a supportive network of family, healthcare providers, and newborn care professionals who can offer guidance and reassurance.
Let Rawda Newborn Care & Consultancy a part of this challenging yet rewarding time. Our team provides specialized support and guidance for parents of preemies, offering personalized care plans and resources to help navigate the journey of preemie care with confidence and compassion.