When you have a baby prematurely, you could spend more time in the hospital than you'd originally planned. A baby who is born too early will likely spend time in the neonatal intensive care Unit, or NICU, where he'll be observed and learn to eat, and where problems will be resolved regarding infection, growth and breathing. When you visit your baby in the NICU, familiarize yourself with the neonatologist and plan of care so you know how to handle a premature infant.
Step 1
Talk with your baby's neonatologist soon after the birth to talk about the plan of care and to familiarize yourself with any problems your premature infant might be facing. Premature infants are susceptible to jaundice, low blood sugar, breathing problems and infections, so it's a good idea to know why you're spending time in the NICU and how long you'll be there. Ask about the various pieces of equipment that your baby is using, like breathing machines, SAT monitors and feeding tubes.
Step 2
Establish a good milk supply for when your premature infant is ready to learn to eat. The sucking and swallowing reflex typically doesn't kick in until 34 weeks gestational age, so your baby might need to use a feeding tube until then. You can use your own pumped milk for the tube feedings. Ask to see a lactation specialist and begin pumping as soon after the birth as possible. The National Institute of Health found that preterm infants had greater mental development when fed breast milk.
Step 3
Ask your nurse or neonatologist if "kangaroo care" is possible with your baby. "Kangaroo care" uses skin-to-skin contact to enhance your baby's growth and development, notes the March of Dimes. You'll carefully and with a nurse's permission remove your baby from her warming bed, watching for snags on any tubes and wires, and place her bare chest on your bare chest for a certain period. As you hold your baby, support her head, neck and back, since they all are weak and undeveloped.
Step 4
Leave the hospital when your baby has passed various tests to ensure that he can live at home without 24/7 medical care. Medline Plus notes that most babies go home when they can breathe and eat on their own, maintain their body temperature and have shown growth while in the NICU. When you leave the NICU, you'll still need to schedule appointments with your pediatrician to ensure the correct growth and development of your premature infant, who has a greater chance of experiencing developmental delays.
Step 5
Stay at home with your baby, especially from October to April. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus to which premature infants are highly susceptible. It is easily spread among children, can be deadly for a small baby with an underdeveloped immune system. Ensure that everyone washes their hands well before touching your premature infant, and stay away from public places like supermarkets, churches and even family gatherings, notes KidsHealth.org.
