What You Need to Know About Taking Care of a Premature Baby

Every year, approximately 15 million babies are born pre-term and India has the greatest number of such births, according to a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO). Early labour, for either medical or non-medical reasons, is the main cause of premature birth. If you have brought your preterm infant at home, here’s how to provide neonatal care to the little one.

Doctors do not recommend solid or even semi-solid food before 6 months, which is similar to a full-term baby. Before that, how a baby should be fed depends on the gestational age and complications with their gastrointestinal tract. Breast milk and infant formula meant specifically for preterm babies can be given in the initial days. In case your child is too unwell to digest milk, use intravenous or a catheter to feed sugar water, followed by parenteral nutrition. If you baby is capable of drinking milk, keep pumping the breast with your hands to ease the process of suckling.

Sleeping

To help the baby have sound sleep, create a suitable environment. Draw the curtains and cool down the room. Make sure the environment is quiet. Put the baby to sleep on their back, rather than their stomach or side. Ensure this particularly after feeding the child, since body pressure can lead to vomiting. The baby might get hungry every 2-3 hours and will keep waking up. This might disturb the sleep schedule, but you need to make sure the baby is still getting enough rest.

Immunization

Don’t delay vaccination just because the child was born pre-term. They are at a higher risk of contracting diseases that can be easily prevented by vaccines. Most vaccines are immunogenic and cause no side effects in infants. Within the first 24 hours of birth, a dose of Hepatitis B should be given. The doctor will make sure that all the three doses are completed on time. Flu shots are also necessary for premature babies. If the infant is medically stable, all vaccinations should be completed on time.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Premature babies are at high risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In this condition, healthy babies could die in their sleep usually within the first 6 weeks of birth. To avoid this, take care of certain things at all times. Use light blankets, instead of the heavy ones, and keep pillows and toys away from the child. Keep the room temperature at about 20°C and keep the child away from direct sunlight. Do not fall asleep on the sofa or bed with the baby on your lap, particularly if you are tired or intoxicated. Lastly, make sure no one, including you, is smoking inside the house.

During the harsh Indian summer, keep wiping the baby with a wet cloth and apply lotions and powders. This will keep them cool and prevent the skin from drying out. If you see any signs of discomfort in the child, contact the doctor immediately. Proper neonatal care can prevent cerebral palsy too.