Approximately 15 million premature babies are born every year, and this number is increasing. On the occasion of International Premature Baby Day, we want to talk about the daily struggle that premature babies face and explain the best techniques to alleviate any disadvantages they may experience.
When do we consider a baby premature?
Normally, a pregnancy reaches full term between 37 and 42 weeks. When we talk about premature babies, we are referring to those little ones who are born before completing 37 weeks of gestation. Generally, the earlier a baby is born, the greater the risk of complicated medical problems:
- Moderate to late preterm birth: between 32-37 weeks of pregnancy.
- Very preterm birth: between 28-32 weeks of gestation.
- Extremely preterm birth: less than 28 weeks of gestation.
Premature babies: risk factors and most common symptoms
Premature birth can occur for different reasons, although there are some common factors that can cause it; such as fetal or pregnancy abnormalities, a premature birth in previous pregnancies, a multiple pregnancy, or the mother's condition or problems. Regarding the most evident signs of premature babies, we can list the following:
- Very large head compared to the small body size.
- Low body temperature and thinner appearance due to lack of body fat.
- Feeding problems caused by difficulties sucking or swallowing.
- Breathing problems or labored breathing.
Premature babies: the care they need
In addition to the necessary care in the hospital from a specialized team, there are things within our control and techniques we can implement once we arrive home that will help the baby strengthen and develop. We'll tell you what they are!
The importance of preparing the home for their arrival
To facilitate this adaptation to the new home, the first thing to consider is that the home must adapt to their environment for the first few weeks, to avoid risking their development. Furthermore, it is important that they are in a calm environment, with dim light and away from noise, and regarding the room temperature, about 22 degrees Celsius is most recommended. If you have visitors at home one day, it's important to keep a few things in mind:
- It's best to avoid visits from people with colds or illnesses.
- Guests should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before contact with the baby.
- Visits, one at a time: avoid having too many people at once.
- Avoid kissing, and of course, shouting, commotion, and smoking near them.
Clothing matters
The fabric of baby clothes is always a very important point to consider, especially when it comes to premature babies. Therefore, it is best to use natural fabrics and soft fibers, and for this, nothing is better than organic cotton.
Additionally, it is also important that clothes are rather loose-fitting and easy to put on and take off: ties are best, as velcro straps could irritate their skin. Hats are also recommended on cold days to keep warm, although we should not over-bundle them. If you are looking for the perfect garment that meets all these characteristics, you have already found it: the knotted pajama is, without a doubt, the best option!
Breastfeeding
Breast milk is considered the best food for babies. Therefore, if you started breastfeeding during your stay at the hospital and can continue doing so at home, don't hesitate! In addition to providing the baby with all the vitamins and nutrients they need, it's a great way to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby.
However, for breastfeeding to be as favorable as possible, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, it is advisable that you are calm and feel comfortable. In addition, it is also important that you are rested and adopt a position that is comfortable for both of you.
Some premature babies need reinforcing supplements to breast milk, as in some cases it is not enough for their growth and development. But don't worry, if that were the case, your pediatrician would tell you the type and quantity needed.
Premature babies: the role of sleep
It is always important to prioritize baby sleep, but we must pay special attention if our baby is premature. They normally sleep more than full-term babies, but they wake up more frequently, their deep sleep stages are shorter, and their light sleep stages are longer. Therefore, in addition to sleeping the hours recommended by the pediatrician, it is super important to create a comfortable environment and a relaxed atmosphere.
Our nests mimic the mother's womb, making them the best option for babies to feel calm and secure. Did you know that when premature babies are in an incubator, they are given rolled-up towels to simulate the effect of the nest's bolster?
Premature babies: some techniques
In addition to considering these aspects, there are some techniques to help stimulate premature babies. The team of specialists will study which one is most appropriate in each case and will be responsible for explaining to the parents how they should be done. We will tell you about some of them!
Infant massage
Infant massage helps maintain the bond with parents, and also helps the little one to gain weight, improve digestion, and prevent possible colic. It is important to carry it out in a gentle and progressive way, as babies are very sensitive to touch.
Kangaroo care
It is ideal before starting the massage. We should place the little one on the chest so that we are skin-to-skin with them, and then cover them like a swaddle. In some cases, it promotes greater breast milk production and helps regulate both the baby's temperature and heart and breathing rate.
Early stimulation
With early stimulation, we try to interact with the baby to strengthen the emotional bond through sight, touch, and sounds. It is important to do it in a calm way, as it is not good to overstimulate the little one either.
How will they develop in the future?
It is normal for uncertainty to be much greater in these cases, as many doubts usually arise about how the baby will develop due to their prematurity. After hospital discharge, the pediatrician will assess the little one's condition: it is difficult to know beforehand if the baby will develop problems in the future, as each baby evolves differently.
Therefore, it is essential to try to stay positive: thanks to technological advances, progress and treatments are getting better and better. It is a fact that not all premature babies present limitations or problems in their development, we must trust the professionals!
