7 things to help parents prepare for a preemie

Parenting is no easy task, especially when your new little one is so tiny and fragile. Fear and worry, a normal part of parenting, usually intensify when a baby is born prematurely. People don’t plan for premature births, but if they occur, it doesn’t hurt to be ahead of the game.

Casi Densmore-Koon, contributor to Babble and a preemie mom, shares some things to consider while you’re pregnant, and offers tips for parents if their little one comes into the world prematurely.

Pack your bag early. That way when the time comes to deliver, whether it’s full-term or not, you’ll be ready to go to the hospital.

Do some research on your hospital and make sure they have a good NICU. You want to make sure your baby gets the best care, whether they are full-term or not.

Educate yourself about common problems with premature babies. Common medical problems they may face include: Apnea, respiratory difficulties, and an increased susceptibility to infections.

Try not to feel guilty if you can’t be at their bedside all the time. To take the best care of their preemies, parents need to take care of themselves. Allow yourself time to recover from childbirth, acknowledge your emotions, take a break when you need it, accept help from others, and seek support. You may be excited, yet nervous, when the day comes to bring your little one home, but your doctor won’t send your preemie home until they know he or she is ready.

Understand your preemie has to meet some goals before leaving the hospital, such as: As you spend more time with your baby, you’ll become more confident you can help him or her achieve these goals.

Prepare yourself for anything. For example, take an infant CPR class before you bring your baby home. If your preemie is sent home with special equipment such as an apnea monitor or oxygen tank, you will be trained how to use it, but make sure you’re also trained on what to do if something goes wrong.

Once you are home, don’t plan on running errands with your baby just yet. Their immune systems are still developing, leaving them susceptible to infections. Limit visits outside the home for the first several weeks, especially if your preemie was discharged during the winter months. Nothing prepares a parent for life in the NICU. The time you spend there with your little one could feel like an eternity, and you might feel a little lost. If you need information or support, don’t be afraid to ask someone – another preemie parent, a doctor, nurse, or a friend. Aim to be a strong advocate for your baby, take it one day at a time, and the rest will fall into place.

• Maintaining their body temperature outside of the incubator;
• Breathing on their own;
• Taking feedings by bottle or breast without supplemental tube feedings; and
• Steady weight gain.