Premature Babies and Some Things to Expect

As a mother of triplets, I immediately knew during pregnancy that my chances of delivering full term (40 week) babies would be slim to none. I prayed everyday to make it past the 24 week mark, knowing from my doctors, that there would be a greater chance of survival. Luckily I carried my children for 33 1/2 weeks but was prepared for almost anything. My reasons for early delivery surrounded around developments of toxemia (or pre-eclampsia) which is common in multiple births. Through research and my own experiences, I learned alot about the various complications and joys that would occur.

Fortunately, I was educated and prepared to deliver premature babies, however, nothing takes away the fear of thinking that one, two, or three will not survive. Looking at the odds, though, the success rate of life in premature babies is high, due to years of studies and technology. This does not say that some complications can be avoided, though. Be prepared for machinery that will help your children breath on their own. In most cases, premature babies are born with lungs that havn't developed, completely. Because they are missing a few or more weeks in the womb, chances are they may need a little assistance from breathing tubes until their lungs develop. I the case of two of my children, they were only on a ventilator for 24 hours. Although the machinery can be intimidating, especially in pictures, it is necessary and forgotten about when you are actually holding your little survivor(s).

Along with machinery, your children will probably live in the NICU (children's intensive care unit), for shorter or longer periods of time. During this time, a newborn may develop jaundice, which is common in premature babies. This is a minor complication cured with simple heat lamps, although it can be intimidating seeing your child with the pale yellowish coloring. With special needs, premature babies are usually not released from the hospital until their breathing is steady, and heart rates are consistent. Because of inconsistent breathing patterns, many premature babies are sent home with their own monitor system, which will alert parents of apnia or heart rate patterns. Although, hooking your preemie up to this device can be frustrating, it is also calming to know that something will alert you of potential complications.

Holding a premature baby for the first time can be very intimidating, especially for new mothers. Not only are you holding a baby for the first time, but you are holding one that may be 3 times smaller than the normal baby. The best advice I can give you is to know that they need the warmth and love of their mother to prosper. After you get the initial holding over with, you probably won't notice a difference to if your child was a 10 pound baby. Your preemie may be small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but he/she will not break. Your child was strong enough to survive, so holding your baby should not be an issue. Be prepared for rapid growth, from week to week, and the joys each time your child gains an ounce.

The toughest part of delivering a preemie (from a multiple pregnancy), is when you have to leave one or more children in the hospital, while you venture off back to your own home. It is necessary and important to try to feed and nurture your baby or babies a couple times a day, however, if circumstance occur which prevent your from making your daily trip to the NICU, be assurred that they are receiving the best care possible. You can call the NICU several times a day for updates, to help ease your mind. Some circumstances, in multiple births, are when you are able to bring home one or more children, leaving one behind in the NICU. You need to take care of your children at home, and come to terms with the fact that nurses are taking great care of your other children. Feelings of guilt and failure may overcome your thoughts, but your child needs the extra care in the hospital to survive.

After all is said and done, and your children are released from the NICU, be prepared for some developmental delays or greater risks in developing RSV viruses. What many mothers of preemies are not aware of, is, that because they have a premature baby, they are in most cases eligible for a vaccine to prevent this complicated virus. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor about your options. There are also many thereapists available specifically to help your preemie, with any developmental delays. If you delivered a child or children two months early, they will probably be two months behind in areas such as crawling, walking, and eating. This is usually something that is overcome by the age of 5 (according to doctors), and in most cases sooner.

With such tiny bundles of joy, it can be intimidating waiting for the arrival and afterwards the fight for survival. With many possible complications, know that hospitals are well equipped to help your little one(s) thrive. Instead of fearing the possibilities, a mother of preemies must educate themselves and help their babies grow, through nurturing methods. Sure, milestones may have to pass from week to week, however, life is one giant milestone, in general. Help yourself to feel that your lovely ones, just got an early start in the world, giving them a little more knowledge to deal with trials and tribulations that may force upon them in the future. Think positive thoughts, be aware of complications, and enjoy your tiny little miracle(s).