Premature births are more common than you might think, with 1 in 10 infants born prematurely.
Premature Birth
SOME FAMILIES STORY STARTS SOONER THAN EXPECTED
Studies show that 1 in 10 births worldwide are premature, meaning that infants are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, accounting for about 15 million premature babies born around the world each year. That amounts to millions of parents globally going through the same overwhelming feelings as you.
Premature babies come to the world with increased requirements for growth and care. Facing the challenge of completing much of their immune, metabolic, and organ development outside the uterus, their first days spent in the hospital. When returning home, you should focus on their nourishment and well being.
Remind yourself that it’s okay if you are not familiar with all the medical procedures and equipment surrounding your baby.
With your baby’s increased nutritional requirements, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding their feeding to support catching up their development.
You should trust your doctor to recommend you with safety measures to help your baby support its development, decrease risks, and ensure it is healthy and happy.
Understanding their unique needs can help you provide the right care and support
Know that your stay in the hospital, however long, will come to pass, so use the time to educate yourself on all the needs of a premature baby. Then, once at home, create a soothing atmosphere for your baby to feel safe, relaxed, and always close to you.
When you come home with your premature baby, follow up on the advice from your doctor and monitor how your baby is growing. Stick to your recommended follow-up schedule with your doctor, and feel free to ask for professional advice whenever necessary.
For you as a parent of a premature baby, some tips can make a crucial difference in this gentle time
- Ensure you follow your doctor’s advice for the best nutrition for your baby. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. Offer breastmilk and breastfeeding on demand when possible, turn to a lactation specialist. If you cannot or choose not to breastfeed, your doctor might recommend a formula with specific ingredients to support the nutritional management of your baby.
- Keep your space clean, tidy, and extra hygienic. Always approach the baby or the person holding them with freshly washed hands and a face mask if necessary.
- Have your baby feel close to you whenever necessary. Try baby-wearing and the kangaroo position so your baby can enjoy skin-to-skin contact as much as possible.
- Monitor your baby's sleep and breathing patterns, and contact your doctor if you notice any concerns.
- Create a soothing home atmosphere for your baby to feel relaxed. Ensure all those caring for your baby are well-rested and informed on the needs of a premature baby.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. AptaClub community, where you can find relevant information for you and your little one, to keep you informed and help you make thoughtful decisions.
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- AAP. 2014. American academy of pediatrics: Nutritional needs for the preterm infant. In Kleinman, RE & Greer, FR (Eds.), Pediatric nutrition (7th ed., Vol. Section II: Feeding the infant, pp. 83-110). Elk Grove Village, IL, USA: Policy for the American Association Pediatrics.
- Aggett, P. J. Agostoni, C. Axelsson I. et al. 2006 Feeding preterm infants after hospital discharge: a commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 42, 596-603.
