Preterm babies have some extra special needs you know? If your baby is born too early, moms worry about the long-term effects on your baby's health and development. According to statistics, about 15% of babies are born premature. If this is the case, the baby will have to face certain difficulties. However, there is no need for parents to worry, there are many things you can do to take care of your premature baby. Your baby can still develop normally with good care.
Challenges for premature babies
Premature babies are born before 37 weeks of age. In general, the more preterm a baby is, the higher the risk. First, a premature baby has less body fat and needs help maintaining body temperature. Your baby may not cry or cry very little and have difficulty breathing due to respiratory distress syndrome or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Breastfeeding will be a challenge. Your baby may experience symptoms such as jaundice, low red blood cell count (anemia), apnea and infection. Some babies experience eye problems due to incomplete development of the retina (retinopathy of premature babies).
Premature babies may also experience impaired cognition, reduced mobility, or chronic health problems with psychological or behavioral problems. Each baby will have different symptoms, doctors, medical experts will help mothers identify the problems that your baby is facing. Mom needs to understand the baby's problems to have the most appropriate way to care for the baby.
Take care of a premature baby
Premature babies need special care. Usually the baby will be raised in a glass cage at the hospital. When the baby is qualified to go home, the mother needs to prepare some basic knowledge to be able to take care of the baby at this time.
You may be worried because the medical team is no longer close to you, however, spending more time with your baby, you will understand your child's needs and gradually you will get used to taking care of a premature baby at home.
To measure the growth of a preterm baby, use your baby's adjusted age - your baby's age by date of birth minus the number of weeks your baby is premature. For example, if your baby is born 8 weeks earlier, at 6 months, your baby's adjusted age is 4 months.
Make sure you know how to take medicine, give your baby oxygen or other treatments. Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor and keep the phone numbers needed to contact whenever you and your baby need help.
Keep your baby warm and hygienic for premature birth
When still in special care conditions at the hospital, the baby will often be cared for with absolute sterility, especially babies under 1.5kg. Baby's body temperature is maintained at 36.5-37 degrees Celsius. After taking home, low birth weight premature babies need to be kept warm to support the respiratory system. Babies weighing 2-2.5kg, room temperature should be kept about 27-28 degrees C. Baby 1.5-2kg room temperature from 30-32 degrees C is appropriate. For babies under 1.5kg, the room temperature should be maintained at 33-35 degrees Celsius.
To keep the baby warm, the mother can also apply the skin-to-skin method, holding the baby close to the mother's body so that the baby's head turns to one side. You can wear a hat or towel to keep your baby's body temperature. This method helps to strengthen the bond between mother and child.
Babies born prematurely also need to be washed and cleaned daily with warm water and should only be partially cleaned and warmed after bathing to the other half. Because premature babies have poor body temperature, mothers need to pay great attention, when the baby is bathed, need to warm up quickly to avoid getting the baby cold.
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your premature baby
Breast milk contains proteins that help fight infections and promote growth. Although premature babies may not be able to feed right away, breastmilk can be fed in other ways - or frozen for later use. Mothers should pump as soon as possible after birth (at least 6-8 times / day).
Also, ask your doctor about your baby's nutritional needs - in the form of breastmilk supplements, vitamin supplements, or infant formula. If your baby is able to suckle milk, in the first week should feed the baby 8-10 times per day, the first day 60ml / kg / 24 hours, the day after each day increased by 20ml / kg / day.
In the process of taking care of premature and low birth weight babies, parents should always closely monitor the child's breathing rate, skin color and status of eating, frequency of bowel movements, and urination. Body temperature, weight and head tip are also regularly observed to detect unusual problems and have the earliest response.
Spend time with your children
Talking, reading or singing to your baby helps to bond mother and baby. When your baby is ready, hold him in mother's arms. Whisper words of love, caresses, .. etc. so that the baby can feel the protection and love from the mother.
You do not need to worry too much that your premature baby will suffer intellectual damage. The proof is that there have been many great people in history who were born premature. Can be taken for example the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, Charles the Great, Victor Hugo, Mark Twain, Albert Einstein, ...
Taking care of a premature baby is a tough journey. Mom is concentrating on her baby and forgetting that she herself needs care. Only a healthy mother can take good care of the baby. So don't forget to take the time to rest and restore your health!
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