The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) journey is behind you, but bringing your premature baby home presents its own unique challenges. Here’s how to navigate this critical period together
In South Africa, approximately 15% of babies, about one in seven, are born prematurely according to the National Department of Health. Thanks to advances in neonatal medicine, more of these babies are thriving than ever before. World Prematurity Awareness Month each November highlights that with the right care and support, parents can confidently manage even the most delicate starts to life.
“Welcoming a premature baby is an emotional journey for both parents. While focus often falls on mums and babies, the role of dads and the wider family is equally vital,” says Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem Baby City’s Clinic Executive.
Kruger emphasises that emotional support from a partner can significantly ease a mother’s anxiety, particularly in high-risk pregnancies and after the birth. She offers the following advice for families.
- Be an active partner in NICU care
For babies in the NICU, every moment of contact is crucial. Partners can learn from nurses how to provide skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care, help with comforting techniques, and understand feeding schedules. Your presence and touch matter.
- Share the load at home
Once home, premature babies often need round-the-clock monitoring. Partners and family members can take on night feeds, track the baby’s weight and temperature, and ensure the mother gets adequate rest. This teamwork strengthens the entire family unit.
- Prioritise your own wellbeing
Caring for a preemie is emotionally draining for both parents. It is essential for partners to acknowledge their own stress and seek support when needed. Don’t hesitate to lean on family and the professional advice and community resources available at baby clinics.
- Parent partnership
Emotional support for both partners extends to understanding adjusted age and development milestones. Both parents need to be aware that their baby’s development is measured by the corrected (adjusted) age – that is their age from their due date, rather than their birth date. It can take up to two years for a premature baby to “catch up” developmentally. Be patient: you’re looking for progress, not comparisons with other babies.
- Build a trusted healthcare network
From antenatal check-ups to postnatal care, primary healthcare nurses provide invaluable guidance. Whether you have questions about specialist nutrition or managing milestones, a trusted professional can help both parents feel more confident.
“Parenting a premature baby is a shared journey of resilience and love. When mums and dads face it together, they build a stronger foundation for their baby’s health and their family’s future wellbeing,” Kruger concludes.