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Home › Articles › Newborn Care › Preemie Problems

Preemie Problems

Learn What to Expect and
How to Cope

By Katherine Bontrager

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Smith thinks if someone is going to "prepare" to have a premature birth, they need to know that these emotions are normal and that having a support system in place is critical. "This parental support may include each other, family, friends, healthcare providers, parents who have previously experienced the birth of a premature infant and/or clergy," she says.

"Having a premature baby puts new parents on a medical and emotional rollercoaster," says Dr. Cole. "Trust in your baby and trust in your baby's doctors and nurses. While prematurity can be challenging for parents, the outcomes for premature babies are overwhelmingly favorable thanks to parental love and commitment and medical/nursing expertise and technology."

Reaching Out
Dr. Cole says there are countless resources available for parents: pediatricians, family practitioners, neonatal nurses and neonatologists. In addition, the March of Dimes and the American Academy of Pediatrics both offer excellent Internet sites with reliable information. And while you're in the hospital, loads of help will be offered in the ICU.

Massaro says there's a tendency to let everyone else do everything for your baby. "Don't let that happen," she says. "Especially in a busy NICU, there are lots of nurses on rotation and no one single nurse will get to know your baby as well as you will over the course of the [potential] weeks that your baby is in the hospital."


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