Extremely Premature Babies

The proudest moment for a parent is when they first see their newborn.

They are so happy with their bundle of joy, but for the parent of an extremely premature baby is the most heart breaking moment they will ever encounter.

Premature births are due to problems within the pregnancy or the mother may have health problems, in some cases there’s no reason at all.

One in ten babies are  taken into the neonatal unit with breathing problems.

Some babies born under 32weeks gestation are at high risk for health problems.

You may see your baby in an incubator this replaces the mother’s womb, ventilation and oxygen maybe required to help baby breath if necessary.

A saturation monitor is connected to the hand or foot this reads the oxygen levels and the heart rate. This may look daunting to the parent however it’s the way the staff monitor the baby.

The baby may need an apnoea machine. The pads are connected to the chest and monitor the pauses between the breathing patterns. The alarms on these machines can sound of frequently this may mean that the baby may need more or less oxygen. This can be daunting for the parent at first until they get use to the machines.

A feeding tube is inserted through the nostril or the mouth and runs down to the stomach. Babies can’t suckle and breathe at the same time so a tube is the only way to feed to help baby grow.

A cannula maybe inserted for the required medication, these maybe inserted in the hand or foot and some times in the head.

Parents who do see their baby’s tiny body’s covered from head to toe in wires don’t understand why.

They cope with extremely high levels of stress. Fear and guilt start to cause anxiety which can put their relationship under a lot of strain.

Extremely premature babies look and behave differently to a baby born full term.

Their head appears bigger than their body, the skin is translucent. They sleep for longer periods and they may jerk and twitch whilst sleeping. Their lungs and brain are not fully developed at this stage and may be at risk for health problems, varying from mild to severe.

Babies who are on ventilation and oxygen for long periods can develop CLD-(Chronic Lung Disease) the tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged and stiff making it hard for baby to breathe, so oxygen and ventilation can be required until baby’s lungs improve.

Mothers are requested to help their baby grow by expressing breast milk.

Mothers don’t feel they are bonding if they are not expressing the milk naturally. The staff teaches the mother to tube feed and to be more involved the daily care. Mothers pick up these skills quickly as well as feeding, changing and other tasks. They may not be able to hold their baby but they are encouraged to touch, feel and talk to their baby as often as possible.

As the baby matures they will recognise the parent’s voice which is the key bond between the parent and the baby.

Parent’s ride the roller coaster of emotions, with set backs and triumphs it is very stressful.

The neonatal unit has the equipment to help baby survive, but the hard work comes from the baby, the unit has facilities and accommodation for the parent’s who wish to stay with their baby.

Parents can feel guilty for leaving the baby if they have other children to attend to but they shouldn’t, it is important to have breaks and enjoy spending time with the other children as it gives the parent the strength to carry on through this challenging time.

The First hold

Parents can’t wait to hold their baby. When they do it is very emotional and the time is precious.

The staff encourage Kangaroo Care (laying baby on the bare chest). This relaxes the baby and the parent and the bond grows.

The consultant will monitor the baby’s progress and take blood test and X rays frequently.

If the baby is responding well, suckling and gaining weight and off the ventilation, the consultant will then talk to the parents about taking the baby home. The staff will teach the parents how to carry with the care at home.

The baby may also need oxygen; the consultant will set the required level the baby needs.

This can sound daunting to the parents at first but they quickly pick up the skills and are confident.

Once the staff is confident the parents know how to care for the baby they will then make the arrangements for baby to go home.

The roller coaster ends and the time is for enjoying your  bundle of joy.

The Risk Factor 

Studies have found that certain lifestyles may put women at greater risk of premature labour.

Late parental care

Smoking

Drinking Alcohol

Using illegal Drugs

Also common:

High levels of stress

Vaginal bleeding

Diabetes

Obesity

These are risk factors but it does not mean the woman will have a premature birth.

Parents are not prepared when they go into premature labour, it can be very frightening.

That’s why it is very important for women to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

If you would like more information on premature babies please visit www. bliss.org.uk.

The website offers support to all mother’s caring for a premature baby.