Premature babies are those born more than three weeks before their due date.

A baby born before the commencement of the 37th week of pregnancy is another way of putting it. Premature delivery is risky for the baby since he or she has not had enough time in the mother’s womb to properly develop. Medical issues such as apnoea, respiratory stress disorder, jaundice, anemia, and others are common in premature babies, especially those delivered very early.

1. Returning home with your child from the hospital

When it comes time to apply your premature infant care recommendations at home, this may appear to be a frightening circumstance. It’s vital to understand that it’s good not only for your kid, but also for you as a parent, because it lowers the risks of your child contracting an infection while in the hospital.

2. Feeding your premature baby breast milk

No matter what, breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of parenting. Breast milk contains a particular number of nutrients and vitamins that help your premature baby grow and develop faster and healthier, thus there are many advantages to breastfeeding. Because breast milk is uniquely created by your body for your baby, it is much easier to digest than formula milk. If your baby is too young to breastfeed, it’s recommended that you start expressing your milk eight to ten times a day and once at night to maintain your milk supply. If you’re not sure how to express milk, a nurse or midwife can show you how.

3. Keep your premature infant in skin-to-skin contact.

Not only for the infant and mother, but also for the father, this has proven to be a beneficial practice. Dress your infant in a nappy and place him or her on your chest under your shirt or under a blanket so that he or she is snugly bonded to your body. The advantages of skin-to-skin contact are numerous, including the reduction of any discomfort or stress your kid may be experiencing. It also promotes healthy weight gain, aids in the establishment of breast feeding, aids in the adaptation of your infant to his or her new surroundings, and aids in the regulation of his or her heart rate and respiration.

4. Pay special attention to your baby’s sleep needs.

Sleeping throughout the day is typical for your preterm baby because it aids in its growth and development. Here are a few pointers to ensure that your baby sleeps well: Make sure your infant sleeps on his or her back, never on his or her stomach, and on a hard, flat surface without any pillows.

5. Limit your visits to the outdoors.

It’s a good idea to keep your infant at home for the first few weeks following birth. Doctor’s appointments are an exception to this rule and should be kept on a regular basis. However, we suggest that you keep your baby at home the majority of the time because his or her immunity is quite poor at this age and he or she is very susceptible to infections and viruses. For at least the first few months, your infant should be kept in a safe and sanitary environment to minimize difficulties and even death.

It can be extremely stressful to be the parents of a premature baby. In the early weeks and months of their babies’ life, mothers and fathers of premature babies often experience a lot of emotional ups and downs.

Parents frequently cope better with the event when they have practical and emotional support from family and friends. And when they’re in good shape, they’re better able to care for their children.

Here’s how family and Friends can contribute.

     1. As you would when a child is born, cheer.

Congratulate the new parents, give a card or flowers, and call them. You’re assisting them in their celebration of their baby’s birth by doing so. If this is something you normally do, give a gift. Small gifts for parents might make them feel cared about as well.

If you’re going to give the infant clothes, make sure they’re easy to put on and take off — loose necklines and armholes are ideal. Clothing of size 00000 can also be handy, as many parents will not have purchased these smaller sizes. Baby clothing for later are fantastic since they encourage parents to consider their child’s future when they are at home.

     2. Provide practical assistance

For days, weeks, or months to come, parents will visit the hospital as often and for as long as they can. This implies that regular household activities are difficult to fit in or are neglected, which can be unpleasant.

You could volunteer to mow the lawn, walk the dog, cook meals, do the weekly grocery shopping, drive older siblings to kinder or school, or watch the other kids in the evening. Giving parents a ride to the hospital can also be beneficial, as parking and transportation can be costly.

     3. Assist parents in any way they require.

It’s fine to inquire about their needs. Some parents prefer to isolate themselves and deal with the problem alone or with a small group of close friends and family members. Respect their requests while yet letting them know you’re thinking of them. You could try to assist at various stages.

     4. Maintain contact with your parents

Simple methods to let parents know you’re thinking of them include sending a text message, sending an email, making a quick phone call or voice message, or sending an old-fashioned card in the mail. They make parents feel remembered and supported.

Try to realize how hectic the parents are, and don’t pass judgement if they forget a birthday, can’t make it to a family function, or seem uninterested in what’s going o5. Talk about the infant in a good light.

Unless the parents bring it up, avoid discussing about any setbacks or obstacles that the baby might face. Avoid giving baby advice or making comparisons between the parents’ and other parents’ or children’s experiences. Instead, focus on the positive. ‘She’s already growing quickly,’ for example, or ‘He’s as powerful as his mother.’

     5. Don’t expect to be able to hold the baby.

Because premature babies are extremely sensitive to touch, noise, illness, and other factors in their surroundings, snuggling and contact are sometimes restricted or prohibited. Parents may be overly protective of their premature children in your life. It’s not that they don’t care; it’s just that they’re focusing all of their attention and energy on their infant right now.

     6. Pay attention to your parents.

Parents are likely to have conflicting and strong feelings regarding their premature infant and their birth or hospital experiences. These could take weeks, months, or even years to appear.

Allow them to speak freely, and refrain from offering advise unless they specifically request it. Avoid comparing them to other parents who have struggled, and avoid being too harsh or positive. This can be difficult, but if you listen more than you speak and follow the parents’ example, you’ll be more likely to be of assistance.

Our Take

Request a referral from your doctor. Finding help for an emotional wellness issue can also help you with your care. Ascertain that you are in the care of Safe Hands.

We provide Personalized, Class Leading Care Taker Services for specialized cases like: 

1. Normal Baby Care
2. Twin Baby Care
3. Premature Baby Care
4. Low Weight Baby Care
5. Mother Care 

Disclaimer: This website’s content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Such information is provided solely for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or qualified health care professional.

Get more information by visiting www.doyacare.com