Ok, this is what I have so far. Suggestions please.

• 03-26-2006 2:05 AM

  Ok, this is what I have so far. Suggestions please. Mark as Not AnswerMark as Answer... Reply Contact Alright ladies, here is what I have so far.  What do you think?  What else should I add? "What causes premature birth?" There are several factors that can contribute to premature birth, but unfortunately most causes are unknown.  "How do I know if I am in preterm labor?" It is extremely important for mothers to pay very close attention to their bodies while they are pregnant.  I never even knew I was in preterm labor.  I lost my mucous plug, but I didn't even know what it was and I almost did not even go to the doctor to be checked.  The symptoms of preterm labor can be very subtle and many times they are easy to mistake for normal pregnancy symptoms.  If ever in doubt, it is always best to contact your physician.  Here are some of the symptoms: Contractions (your abdomen tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from your vagina) Pelvic pressure—the feeling that your baby is pushing down Low, dull backache Cramps that feel like your period Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea "What are the chances of my baby surviving a premature birth?" Many factors determine an individual baby's chances of survival. The most important of these are: The baby's gestational age (number of completed weeks of pregnancy) at the time of birth The baby's weight The presence or absence of breathing problems The presence or absence of congenital abnormalities or malformations The presence or absence of other severe diseases, especially infection In the smallest infants, gestational age is usually most important because it determines if the infant's organs, particularly the lungs, have developed enough to allow the baby to live within the limits of our current technology. Your baby's doctor will be able to give you the best estimate of your infant's chances since he/she can take into consideration many of the above factors. But, no estimate is perfect. Some babies suddenly get sick and die unexpectedly; others defy all odds. General estimates of survival for live born infants who receive neonatal intensive care in the USA in the late 1990's are: Completed Weeks of Gestation at Birth (Using last menstrual period) Survival 21 weeks and less 0% 22 weeks 0-10%* 23 weeks 10-40% 24 weeks 40-70% 25 weeks 50-80% 26 weeks 80-90% 27 weeks >90% 30 weeks >95% 34 weeks >98% *Most babies at 22 weeks are not recuscitated because survival without major disability is so rare. A baby's chances for survival increases 3-4% per day between 23 and 24 weeks of gestation and about 2-3% per day between 24 and 26 weeks of gestation. After 26 weeks the rate of survival increases at a much slower rate because survival is high already. "I am afraid that I will have a preemie.  What should I expect?" You will be placed on bedrest either at home or in the hospital and will be given contraction-inhibiting drugs as well as steroid injections to assist in the development of your baby's lungs.  There will be a lot of people present during your delivery.  A neonatal crew will be there to care for the baby immediately after birth.  Your baby will be taken directly to the NICU after birth.  Hospital policy and your birthing circumstances will dictate when you will be allowed to visit.  I strongly suggest to take a tour of the NICU before your birth if you are given the opportunity.  You are usually able to talk to a neonatologist and a NICU nurse and sometimes they are even able to show you a baby that is at a close gestational age to your baby.  Touring the NICU is a great way to adjust yourself to the idea of having your baby there. "I am afraid that I will not bond with my baby while she is in the NICU.  What can I do for her that will help her along as well as help us bond?" Whether or not you notice, your baby already knows you.  She knows the sound of your voice and recognizes your smell.  Here are a few things you can do for your baby while she is in the NICU:    Kangaroo Care is a WONDERFUL way to bond with your preemie.  You can ask your baby's nurse to help you out and set you up with some privacy.  Kangaroo Care is basically skin-to-skin contact.  Wear a button up shirt that is easy to open in the front and remove your bra.  Place your baby against your chest with her head over your heart.  Your baby should only have on a diaper.  Cover your baby's back with a blanket and put a hat on her to keep her warm.  The sound of your heartbeat and warmth of your skin is extremely relaxing to your baby.  This is also a great way to introduce breastfeeding.  Your baby can smell your milk and may even 'root' around your breasts in search of milk.    Preemies are very easily overstimulated, so it's not a good idea to rub your baby's back or head.  If you want your baby to know you are there but can't hold her, simply talk to her or read her a story in a very calm and soothing voice.  It's ok to place your hand on her back as long as you are careful not to move around too much.    Pumping your breastmilk is one of the single most important things you can do for your preemie.  Contact a lactation consultant or La Leche League Leader as soon as you can after you give birth.  The sooner you start pumping, the sooner your milk will come in.  If possible, rent a hospital grade double electric pump.  If you are eligible for WIC, your local WIC office will provide a pump for you free of charge.  You may also want to contact your insurance provider, as some will cover the cost of rental. "When will my baby be able to come home?" Hospital policy dictates when your baby will be able to come home, and it varies from hospital to hospital.  Most hospitals follow these loose guidelines:        Baby must have the ability to maintain a healthy body temperature with no assistance in a normal room temperature.    Baby must be able to take all feedings by bottle or breast.    Baby must consistently gain weight.    Baby must not have episodes of Apnea or Bradychardia.    Baby must be able to tolerate riding in her carseat without having any bradychardia or apnea spells. "What are some good resources for finding more information?" http://preemie.info/ http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/patientcare/preemies/ http://marchofdimes.com/

• 03-26-2006 7:17 PM

  In reply to

  outnumbered Joined on 04-15-2005 Chesapeake, VA Posts 4,826

  Re: Ok, this is what I have so far. Suggestions please. Reply Contact Oh, Amanda - I'm so glad you're doing this!!!! A few things pop to mind: 1) something about the series of events for respiratory support:  ventilator W/SEDATION (people need to know their babies will be unconscious), CPAP, high flow nasal cannula, plain old nasal cannula, blow by, nothing -- any order and may bounce back and forth.  AND that the vent is the only way to administer surfactant 2) something about brain bleeds, that they are not infrequent, and what they mean 3)meconium aspiration -- typically a full termer who is REALLY sick -- these are the babies that look so big comparatively and often have a really rough course.  I think that it's important to include, since we don't have a NICU board.  and preemies can have it too. 4)  preemie clothes - can wear them after their off the warmers, sizes micropreemie 1-3# and preemie, which varies CONSIDERABLY from vendor to vendor.  Micros have to be bought online, ie preemiesrus or thepreemiestore.com 5) Maybe (and I suspect YOU would be exactly the perfect person to write this one)  how to keep the perspective that YOU are the parent and hold all the cards, NOT the doctors/nurses/staff.  How to remember that this is your child and you are NOT a visitor/acquaintance.  I didn't really master this one, but I bet you did! that's all I can think of for now oh yeah - carbeds vs. carseats if under 5 pounds -- testing to make sure they can use a seat or need a bed. good luck and thanks again for doing this.  You'll do many people a world of good! michele

• 03-26-2006 7:17 PM

  In reply to

  outnumbered Joined on 04-15-2005 Chesapeake, VA Posts 4,826

  Re: Ok, this is what I have so far. Suggestions please. Reply Contact Oh, Amanda - I'm so glad you're doing this!!!! A few things pop to mind: 1) something about the series of events for respiratory support:  ventilator W/SEDATION (people need to know their babies will be unconscious), CPAP, high flow nasal cannula, plain old nasal cannula, blow by, nothing -- any order and may bounce back and forth.  AND that the vent is the only way to administer surfactant 2) something about brain bleeds, that they are not infrequent, and what they mean 3)meconium aspiration -- typically a full termer who is REALLY sick -- these are the babies that look so big comparatively and often have a really rough course.  I think that it's important to include, since we don't have a NICU board.  and preemies can have it too. 4)  preemie clothes - can wear them after their off the warmers, sizes micropreemie 1-3# and preemie, which varies CONSIDERABLY from vendor to vendor.  Micros have to be bought online, ie preemiesrus or thepreemiestore.com 5) Maybe (and I suspect YOU would be exactly the perfect person to write this one)  how to keep the perspective that YOU are the parent and hold all the cards, NOT the doctors/nurses/staff.  How to remember that this is your child and you are NOT a visitor/acquaintance.  I didn't really master this one, but I bet you did! that's all I can think of for now oh yeah - carbeds vs. carseats if under 5 pounds -- testing to make sure they can use a seat or need a bed. good luck and thanks again for doing this.  You'll do many people a world of good! michele

• 03-26-2006 8:07 PM

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  momto2girlsandtwinboys Joined on 08-11-2005 Georgia Posts 32	Re: Ok, this is what I have so far. Suggestions please. Reply Contact

• 03-26-2006 11:33 PM

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  Momma Jenn Joined on 07-02-2005 Jackson, MS Posts 1,538	Re: Ok, this is what I have so far. Suggestions please. Reply Contact So glad you are doing this.  I totally agree with Michele's #5 on her post.  I think that is so important.  So far, everything looks great!  Thanks for taking time out to do this.

• 03-27-2006 7:41 AM

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  Christy77 Joined on 06-09-2005 Moreno Valley, CA Posts 366

  Re: Ok, this is what I have so far. Suggestions please. Reply Contact It is so wonderful what you are doing. I wish I would have had something like this. I was prepared for the early delivery and knew there was a possibility that he may go to the NICU but I had no idea what it was like in there or just how things could be. I was lucky and had a wonderful support team and Hayden didn't stay long. The suggestions from the pp are the only ones I can think of too. Good luck and thanks for doing this. Christy

• 04-18-2006 12:49 AM

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  Momma Jenn Joined on 07-02-2005 Jackson, MS Posts 1,538	Re: Ok, this is what I have so far. Suggestions please. Reply Contact Bumping for others to see.

• 01-10-2007 9:13 PM

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  Momma Jenn Joined on 07-02-2005 Jackson, MS Posts 1,538	Re: Ok, this is what I have so far. Suggestions please. Reply Contact Bump

• 06-26-2007 10:54 PM

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  Momma Jenn Joined on 07-02-2005 Jackson, MS Posts 1,538	Re: Ok, this is what I have so far. Suggestions please. Reply Contact I'm bumping this again because I really think this info may help someone. For some reason it keeps getting unpinned.

• 02-25-2009 3:42 PM

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  Naudia Joined on 02-28-2008 Posts 177	Re: Ok, this is what I have so far. Suggestions please. Reply Contact  bumping
  	Filed under: Preemies, premature birth, baby