Having a baby is perhaps the most exciting experience in life. In general, full term pregnancy is between 37-42 weeks. Not all babies are born at full term, however. Some babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks) at which time they are considered premature babies (preemie). The cause of premature birth is unknown; although studies have linked the following factors to premature births:
- Genetic disposition
- Infections (urinary tract, vaginal, sexually transmitted and other infections)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Being underweight or being obese prior to pregnancy
- Drinking alcohol during pregnancy
- Abusing drugs during pregnancy
- Domestic violence during pregnancy
- Extremely high levels of stress
- No prenatal care
- Certain cervical abnormalities
Premature babies may face health complications and require hospitalization (typically in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or NICU). Some of the most common conditions a preemie faces are; feeding difficulties, breathing difficulties that may need more oxygen, regulating their temperature, apnea, Jaundice. These medical conditions may require the baby to spend several weeks or months in the hospital’s neonatal care. Though this sounds heart breaking, thank goodness that we live in a country that has advanced technology and are able to help little preemie babies as their organs mature and function independently. In order for the baby to get release from the hospital, the baby must have steady gain weight, maintain body temperature in an open crib for 24-48 hours and be able to feed either by bottle or breast feed.
Once the baby is home, take time to enjoy your time together. Sometimes parents of children with special needs get caught up in making sure the baby gets all the medical attention that they may forget about the baby’s and their own emotional needs. Take time to just hold the baby, stroke his skin, and bond with him. One of the most recommended ways to bond with the baby is the Kangaroo Hold. Kangaroo Hold is when you hold the diapered baby against your bare skin (covering the baby with a blanket). This method of skin against skin contact helps the baby form emotional attachment. The baby knows the mother’s breathing and heart rhythm, voice, and her scent and will enjoy that closeness. Kangaroo Hold is beneficial for the mom/dad and the baby because it helps calm the baby, regulate his/her temperature, improve sleep time, and improve feeding.
Once you are ready to find childcare make sure the provider knows all the baby’s medical conditions, medications and special needs. It is also important to train the childcare provider in any special medication dissemination or special treatments. It is imperative for the childcare provider to have good sanitizing routine because premature babies have lower immune system. Always make sure the baby’s immunizations are up to date as well.
Keep in mind that premature baby’s will not meet their developmental milestones at the same time as the full term babies. A premature baby’s developmental miles stones are calculated from his/her due date rather than birth date. This is not something to worry about because most premature babies catch up to their peers in two or three years.
Books to read:
Little Quack Loves Colors By: Lauren Thompson
Clifford’s Big Red Easter
You Are My Sunshine Pictures By: Carolyn Jane Church
Websites to visit:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurityawareness.html