A premature baby looks
so delicate that you may be hesitant to touch her out of fear that she
may get hurt. Feeding and breathing tubes and intimidating machines in
the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may feel like
obtrusive barriers between you and your newborn. Even so, you should
softly talk to and sing to your little one. And while it may seem scary
at first, your touch is critical to your baby. You should strive to
physically communicate by touching, holding and cradling your baby once
you have the staff's approval to do so.Significance
A
baby born prior to 37 weeks of gestation is considered premature and is
generally called a preemie. A preemie’s lungs, immune system,
digestive system and even his skin are underdeveloped, explains
HealthyChildren.org, a website published by the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP). The NICU provides your tiny baby with round-the-clock
care to ensure his survival. You should spend as much time as is
permitted in the NICU and become as active as possible in caring for
your preemie. You can bond with your newborn by gently touching his
little fingers and cheeks while softly telling him in loving tones how
much you love him and how you can't wait to hold him in your arms.
Reading and Feeding
Reading
nursery rhymes or other baby books to your preemie can be comforting to
both you and your baby. This time can also help your little become
familiar with your voice. When your doctor says your baby is ready, hold
her in your arms and tell her how happy you are that you are finally
able to hold her. NICU nurses will offer guidance on the best way to
breastfeed or bottle-feed your preemie. Breast milk contains antibodies,
which improve immune response and in turn, help your baby fight
infection, explains the AAP. Feedings are a great opportunity for
physical and verbal communication.
Kangaroo Care
Talk
to your preemie about how you can't wait to bring him home as you hold
him under your robe or top as the two of you enjoy skin-to-skin contact.
Commonly referred to as kangaroo care, many NICUs permit the practice
as long as your preemie no longer needs significant machinery to support
to his organ systems. Your baby's tiny head should be turned so that
his ear sits above your heart. Continue to talk quietly as your preemie
is soothed by the subtle beat of your heart.
Considerations
It's
important for both mothers and fathers to communicate with their
preemie as much as possible. Dads can feed a bottle-fed baby, change her
diapers and bond with his newborn in every way a mother can --
breastfeeding being the obvious lone exception. If your preemie is up to
it, dads can help give his baby her a bath with the help of an NICU
nurse. A bath is a perfect opportunity to softly sing a lullaby --
perhaps, 'Rubber Ducky' -- to your little one.
Going Home
A
preemie must be able to maintain body temperature in an regular crib
-- as opposed to an incubator -- for at least 24 hours, no longer
needs a feeding tube and is consistently gaining weight before she can
go home, explains Cook Children's Health Care System. Most preemies meet
NICU discharge requirements two to four weeks before their anticipated
due date. As the parent of a preemie, you should plan to live quietly
with your baby when she first comes home. Outside trips should be
limited to doctor's visits during the first few weeks. Enjoy this
tranquil period with plenty of skin-to-skin contact and loving chit chat
with your preemie.
0 commentaire
إرسال تعليق