Parenting a Premature Baby

Parenting a Premature Baby

Even though your baby was born early, your baby already knows ‘you’ – your voice and your scent. Now is a great time to start bonding. Because, bonding with your baby happens the minute they arrive. It may not feel like it happens instantly, but over a period of time, your everyday moments become a forever bond. Bonding and attachment is what makes your baby feel safe and secure. And this will establish the foundation for all areas of your baby’s development.

If your baby was born premature, the chances are your baby will spend quite some time in the neonatal  intensive care unit (NICU) and that may have you feeling amongst other feelings, difficult to bond with your premature baby. And it can be hard on you, whether you had already expected your baby to arrive early or not, all you want is a healthy baby to nurture, love and take home a couple days after the delivery.  

Here is a list of Ideas to help you and your baby bond while he/she is in the NICU:

Learning your premature baby’s body language
Premature babies have different body language compared to full-term babies.  Over time, you will know how to tune into your baby and know whether the baby wants to be close or has had sufficient stimulation. NICU medical staff are wonderful and can help you start reading your baby’s signs.

Touching and holding
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to do Kangaroo Care, holding your baby skin-to-skin. If this is not yet possible, touching, holding and massaging your baby can be another way to help.  For example, you could hold your baby’s tiny hand or cup his/her feet.

Playing with your premature baby
Playing with premature babies include making faces, singing, smiling and reading. Again, pay close attention to your baby’s body language (to know when they’ve had enough). Playing helps you both get to know each other, your baby’s brain develop, and feeling loved and secure.

Sharing your Scent
Holding your baby is a great way to help them recognize your smell. If you can’t hold your baby just yet, you can ask your doctor and medical staff if it would be okay to put something such as your t-shirt with your natural scent (no perfumes or scented deodorants) in your baby’s incubator.

Being Consistent
Doing things in a consistent manner can help your baby recognize you and know what is to happen. For example, each time you spend skin to skin time with your baby, saying or doing the same thing before you start will let your baby know something pleasant is about to happen. This will trigger a secure and expectant feeling.

Pumping
Breastmilk is the healthiest food for your baby. If you feel like there is nothing else you can do, know that only you can pump custom-made milk for your baby and provide them with the best nutrition.

Loving and Caring
Only you will love and care for your baby unconditionally. Your baby’s nursing staff can help guide you and show you how to reposition your baby, care for their premature skin, and change diapers. By doing these things, you will become a part of your baby’s everyday and they will learn to recognize you. You will also learn to observe what works and doesn’t for your baby.