Providing Proper Care for Your Newborn Preemie

Caring for a newborn preemie is a challenge parents are usually not expecting. Premature babies are those born before 37 weeks gestation. Some newborn preemies are ready to go home after only a short hospital stay, while others need to stay for an extended period of time.

If your newborn preemie is in a special care unit or NICU, the hospital staff will be in charge of providing proper care, but there are still things you can do to help provide proper care.

Establish Your Milk Supply

Breastfeeding is best, but your newborn preemie may not be able to breastfeed right away. You can, however, begin pumping to establish your milk supply for later. And you may be able to feed your baby some of the milk using a dropper.

The hospital may be able to loan or rent you a pump. Be sure to use a hospital-grade pump, not the hand-powered kind available at many stores.

Help With Feeding, Changing and Soothing

Trying to care for a newborn preemie can be intimidating; they're so tiny! But you can often begin to provide basic care for your baby in the hospital. Staff can help you learn to feed and change your baby if you need help. You can also soothe your baby, either by holding her or by providing as much touch as possible. Talking and singing to your baby will also help.

The American Pregnancy Association says that kangaroo care (holding your baby often, with skin-to-skin contact) helps regulate baby's body temperature and enhances attachment between parent and child. Studies have even shown that kangaroo care results in increased weight gain, because it helps the baby to sleep for extended periods of time, saving energy for growth and development.

Taking Your Baby Home

It may be days, weeks, or even months before you can take your newborn preemie home. Hospital staff will make sure that your baby can breathe, eat, and maintain his or her body temperature properly before then, but you may still need to watch your baby for any health problems. According to KidsHealth, parents should watch for apnea (pauses in breathing) and other respiratory problems, as well as signs of infection. If your baby has any special health issues, your doctor may give you other symptoms to watch for.

Take Care of Yourself

Make sure you get enough rest so that you can take proper care of your newborn preemie. Hospital staff are there to help you; you don't have to do it all. If you have family and friends available, allow them to help, especially with housework and other children. Being well-rested will help you to focus on your baby.

Sources:

"Care for the Premature Baby", American Pregnancy Association.

"Taking Your Preemie Home", KidsHealth.

Mayo Clinic staff, "Premature baby? Understand your preemie's special needs", MayoClinic.com.