In our society every day there are more babies born before 32 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1,5 kilos. Part of this increase is due to assisted reproductive techniques and the increasing age of mothers.
The arrival of a premature baby generates a series of fears and insecurities that affect its parents especially during the first months. Most of them are not prepared to receive the announcement of preterm labor and do not know how to cope with it.
Coping positively with the news of a preterm birth
To face the news of a preterm birth Intended parents should share and resolve all their doubts and concerns with the hospital team (doctors, midwives, nurses, etc.). This information will be key when dealing with the entire process. Surely they think that they are not prepared for their child to be born so soon and the news disturbs and worries them a lot.
The moment of delivery and the first hours of life
It is not easy to see a premature baby being born, its size and low weight can be very shocking. Nor is it that you are separated from your baby as soon as he is born to take him to the incubator and see him surrounded by tubes and devices. It is normal for many mothers to have mixed feelings and even find it difficult to bond with their baby.
You have to be patient and make an effort to stay calm in the face of this roller coaster of emotions and feelings. Remember that your strength and love are vital for the baby to succeed.
Fortunately, more and more hospitals have advanced neonatology hospital units. These units have adopted the kangaroo method due to the multiple benefits it provides in the care and development of premature newborns.
Kangaroo
This method consists of place the baby naked (or with the diaper) in direct contact with the mother's or father's bare breast, skin-to-skin. This position helps the premature baby to regulate his body temperature, facilitates breastfeeding and attachment. It also strengthens the affective bond between the child and their parents and makes them participate in the process of caring for them.
The first weeks
A premature baby of less than 30 weeks faces endless risks and complications every day. Some of them could cost you your life. This gives parents the feeling that they are living their worst nightmare and doubts and insecurities continue to lurk. Every day is a battle.
Many mothers find it hard to cope with their emotions. The key is to ask, ask and ask again everything that generates doubts. As many times as necessary.
There are groups of premature parents who can be of great help during these first weeks. Talking to people who have been through the same experiences can be very comforting.
Finally at home
Even if you are already at home with your baby and you feel somewhat more relieved, you will continue to be concerned about his health and you will be very busy attending to his needs. You will wonder if you will be able to take care of your little one as they did in the hospital. They will surely be the hardest and longest months of your lives.
Make sure you have all the necessary medical information to take care of your baby correctly. Learn to ask for help when you need it and accept it when someone offers it to you.
Your premature baby's future
Fortunately, medicine in the neonatal field has advanced a lot and today most premature infants lead completely normal lives. For this reason, from this post, I would like to send the parents of these babies a message of support and hope.
The worries and all that suffering that you face at this time will be compensated when you see your healthy and happy child in the not too distant future.
Much encouragement and all my love for those fighting parents!