Preparing for the arrival of a baby can be stressful. However, when the baby is born prematurely, there is an extra level of stress due to the additional care and attention the baby requires.
Neglecting to provide the necessary intensive care by medical staff or parents could result in dire complications for the baby.
A normal pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks. According to WHO, when live births take place before the 37th week of pregnancy, they are called preterm and are divided into
- Extreme preterm (less than 28 weeks)
- Very preterm (28 to 32 weeks)
- Late preterm ( 32 to 37 weeks)
Here are a few tips to consider when caring for your preterm baby
1. Health problems faced by preterm infants
Prematurity is the leading cause of newborn death and disability. In the US, 10.5% of all live births were preterm, with 36% of all infant deaths accounting for prematurity/ low birth weight.
Other health implications of prematurity include
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Breathing problems:
Premature lungs lack a substance called surfactant that prevents the lungs from collapsing. A deficiency of surfactant in the lungs can cause respiratory distress syndrome and require artificial respiration in a NICU unit. They usually outgrow this problem when their lungs start producing surfactant.
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Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL):
PVL is damage to the white matter of the brain that may occur due to a deficient supply of oxygen or blood to the neonate’s brain.
It leads to a myriad of motor and developmental anomalies. PVL is believed to be caused by antepartum hemorrhage, maternal obesity, and chorioamnionitis. 60 to 100% of neonates with PVL develop cerebral palsy, which is a lifelong disability, and the cost of lifelong care is estimated to be $43,687 and $10,368 for non-ambulatory and ambulatory patients, respectively.
Complications like periventricular leukomalacia (pvl) are preventable and could be the result of medical malpractice, which makes parents eligible for legal aid and financial compensation.
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Retinopathy of Prematurity:
RoP is a potentially blinding complication in neonates if it isn’t addressed swiftly. It is caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels in the light-sensitive layer of the eye called retina.
The severity of retinopathy can range from mild stages to severe, involving retinal detachment and loss of vision. As your child grows, they can also develop amblyopia, squint, and nearsightedness.
This complication may also be exacerbated by medical negligence in timely diagnosis and treatment and can be entitled to legal aid and compensation.
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Patent ductus arteriosus:
Ductus arteriosus is an opening between two major vessels of the heart: the aorta and pulmonary artery. After birth, this opening closes on its own, but in preterm babies, it might stay patent and lead to heart failure.
This problem needs medical attention and treatment in the NICU.
2. Careful monitoring and follow-up of your neonate.
Since a preemie’s body systems are not fully developed, your baby’s vitals, like blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and breathing, will need to be carefully monitored in the NICU.
Because of the high risk of complications discussed earlier, your baby will need continuous monitoring even after being discharged from the NICU.
Your neonate will need follow-up visits at least until the age of 5 years to review the current status, child development, medications, and nutrition.
There should be a minimum of two face-to-face follow-up assessments between 3-5 months and by 12 months with another in-person assessment at two years.
During these follow-ups, high-risk preterm infants that need enhanced developmental surveillance need to be assessed for signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy and developmental delay, such as
- Ophthalmological checkup
- Brainstem auditory evoked potential
- Neurological exam
- Sleep problems and sleep apnea
- Language and communication problems
- Feeding problems
Ensure that you are involved in the planning and decision-making regarding the care and health of your baby. Communicate your concerns regarding the post-natal period and its complications, your care plan, and mental health.
3. Bonding with your baby and Kangaroo mother care
Bonding with your baby is an essential aspect of their development. During pregnancy, a baby can listen to the mother’s heartbeat and is protected by her warmth in the womb.
Providing your baby with sensory signals in the form of touching and sound can help them develop and nurture, and this is where the concept of kangaroo mother care comes into play.
Kangaroo mother care is the process of holding your baby with direct skin-to-skin contact for long periods with the mother’s body warmth, helping to keep her infant warm and providing exclusive breastfeeding.
Kangaroo mother care is effective in reducing hospital stays and has reduced infant mortality rate by 40%. It is effective because
- It improves mother-child bonding.
- Reduces the stress on the mother and baby
- There is more opportunity to breastfeed
- Reduces the risk of infections and hypothermia, which are leading causes of infant death
4. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is crucial for your baby to thrive and should be started as early as possible. If your baby is in the NICU or has not yet developed the suckling and swallowing reflexes, the mother can pump her breastmilk, which can be given to the baby through a nasogastric tube.
Breast milk is vital for helping infants build up their immune systems, making them more resistant to infections and diseases such as lung infections and diarrhea, which can be fatal for newborns.
During the first few days after birth, the breasts secrete colostrum, which contains antibodies essential for the baby’s health and immunity.
After being discharged from the NICU, it is crucial to stick to a breastfeeding schedule and feed the baby every one to four hours. Since your preemie is still developing suckling reflexes, it might be hard to get your baby to latch, or they might refuse to feed, so make sure to talk to your doctor about effective ways to breastfeed your baby.
5. Coping with stress and asking questions with your doctor.
Having a premature baby requires your full attention, which may cause you to neglect your own needs. Postnatal follow-ups are essential for both the mother’s and the baby’s recovery.
To be a good parent to your infant, you need to address your own needs first. This is because you cannot adequately care for your baby when you are stressed out, tired, and anxious. It is crucial to be vocal about your needs and concerns with your partner, family, and obstetrician.
It is also essential to consult your doctor about your mental health, what to expect in the postnatal period, and how to be prepared for it because postpartum depression affects 50 to 80% of mothers, with 1 out of 8 developing a severe case of depression.
Conclusion
Caring for a preterm infant comes with a lot of challenges, but with the right support system, adequate healthcare services, and patience, you can overcome these challenges.
It is crucial to ensure that you stay stress-free and remember to enjoy the process of parenting.
