How to Care for a Premature Baby

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Speak to the professionals about the problems that your baby is facing.

   It can be very overwhelming and difficult for parents to understand exactly what their baby is at risk of.
   
   The staff is aware of this and generally will explain things to you in a way that you will understand if you continue to have questions and concerns.
2. 2

   Step 2: Ask as many questions as you need to in order to completely understand the care that is being provided to your baby.

   Strange machines, special lighting, monitors and tubes attached to your baby can be frightening.
   
   Ask the staff to explain to you what each item is used for and why your baby requires it. , Your baby may be monitored by several different specialists.
   
   The neonatologist has been trained in the care of premature babies.
   
   Your baby may require a respiratory specialist, an optometrist for the care of his eyes or a cardiologist to care for his heart.
   
   Become familiar with each care giver and the services they provide. , If your baby is unable to suckle at this point, question what your course of action regarding nursing in the future should be.
   
   It may be possible to pump your breast milk and have it offered to the baby by other means.
   
   The staff will be able to advise you.
3. 3

   Step 3: Request to speak with all of the doctors and nurses that are involved with your baby’s care.

4. 4

   Step 4: Discuss with the staff the possibility of nursing your baby if that was the course of action you had originally chosen.

Detailed Guide

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