It is natural for every parent-to-be to hope that their baby will be born healthy and full-term. Unfortunately, even in these days of hi-tech medicine, about 7% of babies are still born prematurely. The good news is that nine out of ten premature babies lead a perfectly normal and healthy life.

All newborns need a lot of care, but your premature baby will require some special care. So don't panic, just try to be patient. Don't lose heart if your baby does not reach a milestone while others of the same age do, as premature babies have a different growth pattern. Do not forget to mention your baby's due date and birth date to the doctor when you take him for a check up.

Feeding Your Preterm

Small babies need small feeds frequently because digestion uses a lot of their energy. They need high quality food for growth and development, and to fight infection and stress. The babies, who are less than 1000 grams, have to be fed via a fine tube into a vein (IV line). At first, this contains glucose and salts. Later, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fats too are fed through this tube. If the nurse thinks he is ready, he can have a few drops of your colostrums through a feeding tube into his stomach. This will stimulate the production of hormones that help the digestive system to mature. If a baby's digestive system is ready for oral feeds, he can have milk via a tube into his stomach. Still, breastfeeding continues to be the best way of nourishing your baby. Let him feed as long as he wants to. This milk is rich in minerals, growth factors and protein.

Supplements

The pediatrician may recommend supplements of Vitamins A, B, C, D, K, E and Folic acid for 6-12 months. A supplement of Zinc is sometimes beneficial too.

The Incubator

Many small babies stay in an incubator until around 34 week's post-conception age or until they weigh 1350-1800 grams. An incubator provides a constant temperature and a radiant heater can supply extra heat which your preterm requires. The position of baby, while he is in the incubator, may be changed frequently. His head may be raised to aid digestion and breathing.

What You Can Do

Your baby can come home when he starts gaining weight steadily and is feeding well. But be watchful and call your doctor immediately if you observe any of the following:

• A sudden drop in body temperature
• Irregular breathing patterns
• Bluish tint in the body
• Difficulty in sucking or feeding
• Any discharge or bleeding from the eyes, ears or cord.

When your preterm is out of the incubator and in your arms, you can give him a skin to skin care. Hold him against you as much as you can. This will remove the stress of the ICU from you as well as the baby. Remember, small babies who are stroked and cuddled grow and develop quicker and healthier.