The Premature Baby

The arrival of a baby generates great expectations, but if the programmed date is advanced it causes uncertainty and worry. Whether the baby is born by cesarean or naturally, the baby will require of specialized medical attention.

Babies that are born before the 37 weeks of gestation are considered premature. A premature baby has a hard time regulating his or her temperature, and due to this needs to remain in an incubator. Some clinics allow the baby to be out of the incubator for a few hours while the mother or father hold the baby up to their bare skin (kangaroo method). Being warm will allow the baby to grow quicker and waste less energy.

If the baby has been born under 35 weeks it’s probable the baby will not know how to suck, and this is why these babies are usually fed through a tube as this allows the milk to go directly from the mouth to the stomach. This way the baby will not have to suck and will save the energy he or she would otherwise lose. When the baby is ready and the doctors give you the go ahead you will be able to offer your nipple to the baby and therefore stimulate the suction reflex.

For the beginning of a premature baby’s feeding, the ideal is to give the baby breast milk because it will help the still immature intestines of the baby and due to the immunological properties it has.

To feed your breast milk to a premature baby you will need to pump your milk until the baby is in conditions to breastfeed. At first small amounts are given to the baby until he or she is able to tolerate the necessary amount. Carry the baby, talk to him or her while caressing. Skin to skin contact will stimulate the baby as well. Little by little the baby will look for your breast and will be able to suck, even if he or she is still being tube fed.

Pump your milk out as many times as possible, in order to prolong, keep and increase the amount of milk you have during the time the baby is in the clinic or hospital. Once at home, a premature baby will need to be seen by the pediatrician more often and the doctor will probably prescribe vitamin supplements, iron and vitamin B that the baby will probably have to take during his or her first year. Never compare a premature baby with one that has been born full term. Rest assured that your baby will be just as strong and healthy as those that were born at nine months.