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Welcome Home, Little One

Bringing Your Preemie Home

By Katherine Bontrager

Other training can be equally important. Learn infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation, research the common challenges some preemies may face later in life and be aware of the specialists in your area who can aid in delays in mobility, speech and reading.

Another huge challenge? "All of the follow-up appointments after the hospitalization," says Ardolf. "When a baby is in the hospital, specialists come to the bedside. Once everyone is discharged, you have to bring your baby to the appointments, which is extremely exhausting. My daughter had over 50 doctor visits in her first six months!"

Ardolf's advice? Be organized. "Get a detailed description of all your baby's medical records and a list of doctors that she should see after discharge; keep a copy with you and post a copy on the fridge," she says. "Keep a master calendar of all appointments, and take it everywhere with you. Print out directions to each hospital or clinic, and put them in a binder you keep in your car. Another great tool that I used was a spreadsheet I updated after each appointment with my daughter's weight, height and other vital signs; what was accomplished at the appointment; and any follow-ups needed. It helped me stay sane and gave me a quick reference to bring to other appointments."

All the organization in the world isn't going to change the fact that you'll need some help. Ardolf arranged for extra helping hands before her baby came home. "My mom and sister took turns staying with me for the first two weeks and it was a Godsend," she says.

Dr. Bhatia acknowledges that once the baby is home, the true challenge is learning to adjust to the demands of the infant, any older children and the need to keep up the house. "In my opinion, this is the time extended family can and should help," he says. "They should help with house chores and care of siblings rather than care of the infant since the mother and the father are evolving into that role, need to build their confidence and ultimately resume family life."

Want to see more?

• Preemie Problems: Learn What to Expect and
  How to Cope
• The Kangaroo Care Method: Safe, Gentle Bonding Benefits Preemies
• Breastfeeding a Preemie: A New Mom's Experience
• Talk about it!

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