Pregnancy is a time loaded with many challenges. It’s even harder when the baby is born preterm. The mom is nervous and rightly so, since her little one is more prone to infections/ complications.
A preterm/ premature baby is one who’s born before the 37th week. They’re also referred to as preemies. The earlier the baby is born, the higher the levels of risks they face.
Preemies need special care since they’re so vulnerable. Thus they stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the hospital for a few weeks until they’re stable enough to be taken home. This facility is equipped with specially trained staff, monitoring and alarm systems, respiratory and resuscitation equipment to cater to baby’s needs.
As much as seeing your preterm baby looking so fragile might be a tough scene to handle, it’s actually recommended that you interact with them. This assists in their quick recovery and helps you bond with baby. You can do this by:
- Adopting Kangaroo Care- this is where the preterm baby is positioned upright on mother’s bare chest (between the breasts) allowing tummy to tummy contact. Kangaroo Care has proven benefits including better bonding, faster weight gain for baby, easier breastfeeding and regulating baby’s temperature.
- Talking and singing to your baby, which helps to comfort them. Little ones recognise their mothers’ voices from early on.
- Touching your baby by gentle stroking. This soothes them and helps with bonding.
When the time comes to take baby home, here’s what you should do:
- Adhere to the feeding plan given by the doctor. Preterm babies need to be fed more often than those born at due date.
- Limit access to baby since their immune system isn’t fully developed. They’re highly prone to infections, thus keep the environment sterile and make sure anyone who’s handling the baby has received the necessary immunization.
- Avoid taking baby to public places since they will be exposed to pollutants and disease-causing germs.
- Make sure you’ve learnt CPR and any other specialized training needed to care for baby. Don’t wait until an emergency arises.
- Continue practising Kangaroo Care to aid in faster recovery.
