Approximately 15 million babies, or one out of every 13 babies, are born prematurely each year. A premature baby is an infant who was born before he or she was at 37 weeks gestation. This term encompasses a broad spectrum of babies who may be as young as 22 to 24 weeks old.
Having your little one before he or she was due not only threw off all of your plans for how your pregnancy and delivery would go, but it also meant that you had to leave the hospital without your little one. As a new mom of a preemie, it's normal to feel a range of emotions from sadness and depression to anger and frustration. Learn the best ways to take care of your little one and yourself while he or she continues to grow outside of the womb.
(-- removed HTML --) Prepare Ahead of Time (-- removed HTML --)
The first time you
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They will be fed to your infant or frozen to be used in the future. Once you are home from the hospital, obtain a free breast pump and use it every three hours. Bring this milk with you to the NICU. Pumping now will help you to have a well-established milk supply when your little one is ready to nurse.
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Hold your little one skin-to-skin as much as possible when he or she is in the NICU. This can help you to feel bonded to one another, increase your milk supply and help him or her to avoid infection while you aren't able to bring your baby home. If your baby isn't up to being held just yet (most doctors require that your little one can better regulate their own temperatures before trying kangaroo care), hold his or her hand or stroke their hair as you are able.
(-- removed HTML --) Leave Your Scent (-- removed HTML --)
Babies learn your scent while still in the womb. Leave a small blanket, a piece of fabric or a cloth doll that you have placed between your breasts with your little one. The smell of you will calm and relax your