Tips for Parenting a Preemie

If you have become the proud parent of a premature infant, you may already know that preemies are a different breed of baby. Along with all the needs of a baby born full term, preemies need additional special care to ensure that they grow healthy. Body temperature, lung development, and gaining weight are all concerns when it comes to a baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Here are some tips on how to parent your preemie.

The first thing you must always consider with a preemie is body temperature. Since the last few weeks of pregnancy are focused on packing on the fat, preemies are often born with little to no body fat. Without it, they may be unable to maintain their own body temperature. Keeping your preemie warm allows him or her to use energy elsewhere. Dress your preemie in layers, such as a onesie, outfit, then sweater, and always be sure to keep a hat and socks on him or her. Swaddling in blankets not only helps your preemie to feel safe and secure, but also helps keep body heat from escaping.

As with every newborn, feeding is also very important. However, with a preemie, it is essential to keep feedings on a schedule of every two hours (or on demand if your infant wants to feed more often). This helps your baby put on weight and build up body fat, which in turn helps him or her maintain proper body temperature. Preemies may need a smaller nipple, so it may be necessary to bottle feed with a special preemie nipple (or even with a syringe until your preemie learns to suck). If this is the case and you plan to offer breast milk, be sure to pump every two hours to keep your milk from drying. Your doctor may wish for you to supplement with formula during the first few days until your milk arrives in full force.

Feeding is especially important if your preemie suffers from jaundice. Preemies are more likely to have a liver that can't keep up with the production of bilirubin, causing a buildup of this substance in the blood. This can have negative effects on your preemie's health, such as deafness, cerebral palsy, and brain damage in extreme cases of high levels. Bilirubin is passed from the body in urine and stool, so the more you feed your preemie, the faster his or her bilirubin level will decrease.

If you have any concerns or questions, it is important to ask your pediatrician. Keep all doctor's appointments with your preemie's pediatrician to help monitor weight gain and solve any other issues that may arise. Before you know it, your preemie will be at birth weight and well on his or her way to positive development.

Sources:
Mayoclinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/premature-baby/FL00108
Mayoclinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infant-jaundice/DS00107