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Premature baby? Understand your preemie's special needs
Caring for a premature baby can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Here's help taking care of your preemie — and meeting your own special needs.
By Mayo Clinic staffIf your baby is born too early, the miracle of birth may be overshadowed by anxiety about your preemie's health and the possible long-term effects of prematurity. But there's much you can do to take care of your premature baby — and yourself — as you look toward the future.
Your preemie's special needs
Generally, the earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of complications.
At first, premature babies often need help breathing and maintaining body heat. Feeding your preemie may be a challenge. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), low blood sugar and lack of red blood cells to carry oxygen to the baby's tissues (anemia) are possible. More serious concerns may include infection, episodes of stopped breathing (apnea) and bleeding into the brain, especially if your baby was born before 34 weeks. Some preemies have impaired hearing or vision. Others experience developmental delays or learning disabilities in childhood.
Taking care of your preemie
Your preemie's special needs call for special care, probably in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The medical professionals caring for your baby will do everything they can to help your baby thrive. Your role as a parent is essential, too.
- Learn as much as you can about your preemie's condition. Uncertainty can be frightening, as can the monitors, respirators and other types of equipment in the NICU — even the darkness in the NICU meant to mimic life in the womb. Write down your questions and seek answers when you're ready. The more you know, the better you'll be able to handle the situation.
- Share your observations and concerns. If you notice changes in your preemie's condition, tell the medical team right away.
- Establish your milk supply. Breast milk contains proteins that help fight infection and promote growth. Although your preemie may not be able to feed from your breast or a bottle at first, breast milk can be given in other ways — or frozen for later use. Begin pumping as soon after birth as possible. For the first few days, pump at least every two to three hours around the clock. Once your milk supply is established, pump at least eight times a day.
- Learn to feed, change and soothe your preemie. Speak to your baby in loving tones. When your baby is ready, cradle him or her in your arms. Hold your baby under your robe or shirt to allow skin-to-skin contact. Turn your baby's head to the side so that his or her ear is over your heart. If you're feeling unsure, count on the support of your baby's medical team.
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