Are you a preemie mama, feeling powerless as your baby stays for weeks on end in the NICU? A dear friend of mine had the same experience. Her challenges during her daughter’s NICU stay, and her dedication to caring for her during those trying months, has spurred me on to explore more of what the world of preemie care is like. It is unfamiliar territory to me, as my little man was 9lb 4oz at birth! I know that preemie moms need special encouragement and assurance during the uncertain and scary times of waiting for their babies to grow strong enough to come home.
In the spirit of this endeavor, I’ve compiled a few links that I hope will be helpful to preemie moms.
- First of all, head on over to The Purposeful Wife to boost your spirits and get ideas for how you can help your baby best right now: What You Can Do: Caring for Your Baby in The NICU.
- Next, learn some about the benefits of Kangaroo Mothercare. (This is great for full term infants too!)
- Read up on Breastfeeding Your Premature Infant through Kellymom’s extensive list of resources.
- Read success stories like this one at Stork Stories.
- If you are a friend of a preemie parent, check out this article of Twenty Do’s and Don’ts when talking with parents.
- Check out general resources on preemies like Prematurity.org and The Premature Baby Book by Dr. Sears, for starters.
- Read Scripture. Psalm 139 often comes to my mind when thinking of babies and their development inside (or outside) of the womb. It can be a great encouragement to know that even if you are frightened or feeling distant from your baby, God knows this little one perfectly and cares deeply for him or her.
Are these links helpful? Please add some of your own suggestions to my list!
the birth bug 
Posted by Rachel on March 16, 2012 at 8:47 am
Thanks for the link :). Twenty Do’s and Don’ts had some good advice! Thank you for sharing these resources!
Posted by Becky on April 18, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Thank you so much for this post – i am currently on hospitalized bed rest with twins, and we are anticipating sometime in the NICU. I am very happy to have found the resources you have provided.
Posted by thebirthbug on April 21, 2012 at 12:24 am
I’m so glad they were helpful, Becky! I pray that you have a restful time as you wait for their births, that you and they remain healthy, and that you find encouragement during your NICU stay. Thanks for stopping by.