Premature baby care hospital

Medical professionals categorize premature newborns as follows: 

• Late preterm (those who take birth between the 34th and 36th week of pregnancy)
• Moderately preterm (infant born between 32nd and 34th week of gestation)
• Very preterm (babies prematurely born between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy)
• Extremely preterm (delivery occurring earlier than 28 weeks of pregnancy)

In the late preterm stage, the babies are at high risk. They may struggle to breathe because their lungs didn’t fully develop when they were born. The infant might have trouble breathing if the lungs lack an element that enables the lungs to expand. However, respiratory distress syndrome in preterm babies is treatable under specialized care. Specialists will plan a treatment based on the baby’s condition and constantly track the vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels.

Common Medical Interventions for Premature Babies

Not all premature infants experience health challenges, but those born too soon can have short-term and long-term medical issues. Most preterm babies stay in NICU for diagnosis and treatment. Depending on their medical condition, the most likely medical interventions in a premature baby care hospital include the following:

1. Supportive care

Preterm babies may be placed in incubators, fed via tubes, and tracked for vital signs. 

2. Medication 

If babies get diagnosed with some syndrome, they will receive appropriate medicines. 

3. Neonatal surgery 

In extreme cases, surgical intervention is necessary to cure the baby’s health problem.

Emotional Support for Parents of Premature Babies

Prolonged hospitalization of premature babies can be stressful for parents. They may go through emotional ups and downs, worrying about their child’s well-being. It is the duty of the staff working in a premature baby care hospital to explain what treatment your baby is having. They should help ease parents’ anxiety and work together to ensure the best medical care for newborns. 

After premature delivery, parents may have to go back and forth to the intensive baby care unit regularly. Due to the stress, they might not be sleeping well, and this exhaustion could adversely affect their physical and mental health. You can rest assured that your child is in reliable hands if you place them in a good hospital. 

Creating a Bond and Promoting Parent-Infant Interaction

Parent-infant interaction is essential to promote healthy child growth and development, especially when the infant is in the NICU. However, most NICU infants can not be hugged or cuddled because of their delicate condition. The neonatal staff has to look for alternative approaches to avoid containment holds or hand hugs. The family has to work with NICU staff to keep their baby’s world as calm and comfy as possible. 

Some strategies adopted for promoting parent-child closeness in intensive medical care units include the following: 

• Feeding as directed by the nurse
• Touching the baby gently once in a while
• Speaking quietly
• Maintaining eye contact
• Seeing the child and learning their cues
• Trying responsive communication

Promoting Feeding and Nutrition in Premature Babies

Feeding (nutrition) is an integral part of the overall treatment plan for premature babies. Compared to full-term babies, they need to gain weight more quickly and consume more nutrients. However, they may require some feeding assistance because their digestive system (gut) and capacity for sucking are weak. Healthcare professionals like pediatric nutritionists, baby dieticians, and lactation consultants can help provide the required assistance.