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Premature baby? Understand your preemie's special needs
Taking care of yourself
You're concentrating on your baby now, but remember that you have special needs, too. Taking good care of yourself will help you take the best care of your preemie.
- Allow plenty of time to heal. You may need more time to recover from the rigors of childbirth than you imagined. Eat a healthy diet, and get as much rest as you can. When your health care provider gives you the OK, make time for exercise, too. Even brisk walks through the hospital hallways or courtyard may lift your spirits.
- Acknowledge your emotions. Expect to feel joy, excitement, sadness, anger and frustration — sometimes all on the same day. Remember that you and your partner or spouse may react to stress and anxiety differently, but you both want what's best for your baby. Support each other through respect, understanding and compromise.
- Expect to feel overwhelmed. You're under a tremendous amount of strain. You may celebrate successes one day, only to experience setbacks the next. Give yourself permission to take it one day at a time.
- Take a break when you need it. Your baby needs you, but it's important to balance time at the hospital with time for yourself and the rest of your family.
- Accept help from others. Allow friends and loved ones to care for any other children, prepare food, clean the house or run errands. Let them know what would be most helpful.
- Keep a journal. Record the details of your baby's progress, as well as your own thoughts and feelings. Include pictures of your baby.
- Seek support. Surround yourself with understanding friends and loved ones. Talk with other NICU parents. Consider joining a local support group for parents of preemies, or check out online communities. Seek professional help if you're feeling depressed or you're struggling to cope with your new responsibilities.
Bringing baby home
When it's time to bring your baby home, you may feel relieved, excited — and anxious. After days, weeks or months in the hospital, it may be daunting to leave the on-site support of your baby's medical team behind.
Before you leave the hospital, consider taking a course in infant CPR. Make sure you're comfortable caring for your baby, especially if you'll need to use special monitors at home or give your baby supplemental oxygen or other treatments. Ask as many questions as you need to. Nothing is silly or unimportant when it comes to caring for your baby. Schedule follow-up visits with your baby's doctor, and find out who to call if you have questions or concerns in the meantime.
You'll always remember your baby's time in the hospital. Now cherish the opportunity to begin making memories at home.
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- Wood KS. Care of the sick or premature infant before transport. In: McInerny TK, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:674.
- Long CM, et al. Discharge planning for the high-risk newborn requiring intensive care. In: McInerny TK, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:709.
- Campbell DE, et al. Health and developmental outcomes of infants requiring neonatal intensive care. In: McInerny TK, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:852.
- Parenting corner Q&A: Premature infants. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Preemie_GoingHome.htm. Accessed May 15, 2009.
- Parenting corner Q&A: Premature infants. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Preemie_HealthRisks.htm. Accessed May 15, 2009.
- Coping with the NICU experience: The NICU roller coaster. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21292_11191.asp. Accessed May 18, 2009.
- Parenting in the NICU: Holding your baby close: Kangaroo care. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21295_6090.asp. Accessed May 18, 2009.
- Parenting in the NICU: Feeding your Baby. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21295_6091.asp. Accessed May 18, 2009.
