Premature Births - "Preemies"
What is Premature Birth?
Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks. A baby born 3 or more weeks early is premature. Babies who are born closer to their due dates tend to have fewer problems than babies born earlier. But even those who are born late preterm (closer to 37 weeks) are at risk for problems. Doctors and nurses often call premature babies "preemies."
Having a premature baby may be stressful and scary. To get through it, you and your partner must take good care of yourselves and each other. You may be able to find a support group of other parents who are going through the same thing. Utilize the help of friends and family with work around your home, food, cleaning and other needs.
Why is Premature Birth a Problem?
When a baby is born too early, his or her major organs are not fully formed. This can cause health problems. Premature birth can be caused by a problem with the fetus, the mother, or both. Often the cause is never known.
Babies who are born 32 to 37 weeks (late preterm) may not be able to eat, breathe, or stay warm on their own. But after these babies have had time to grow, and the risk factor is small, most of them can leave the hospital and begin their new life at home.
Babies born earlier than 32 weeks (moderate to extreme preterm) are the most likely to have serious problems. If your baby was born very small or sick, you may face hard decisions about treatment.
The Most Common Causes for Premature Births Include:
Infection in the mother
Having a previous premature birth
Pregnancy with twins, triplets or other multiples
An interval of less than six months between pregnancies
Conceiving through in vitro fertilization
Multiple miscarriages or abortions
Physical injury or trauma
Problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta
Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or using illicit drugs
Some infections, particularly of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract
Some chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy
Stressful life events
Possible Short Term Complications:
Breathing problems
Brain problems
Temperature control problems
Blood problems
<-- Jaundice
Metabolism problems
Immune system problems
Heart problems
Gastrointestinal problems
Hypothermia
Possible Long Term Complications:
Impaired learning
Cerebral palsy
Vision problems
Hearing problems
Dental problems
Behavioral and psychological problems
Chronic health issues
What Kind of Treatments Might a Premature Infant Need?
Premature babies who are moved to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are watched closely for infections and changes in breathing and heart rate. Until they can maintain their body heat, they are kept warm in special beds called isolettes. They are usually tube-fed or fed through a vein (intravenously), depending on their condition. Tube-feeding lasts until a baby is able to breathe, suck, and swallow and can take all feedings by breast or bottle.
Sick and very premature infants need special treatment, depending on what medical problems they have. Those who need help breathing are aided by an oxygen tube or a machine, called a ventilator, that moves air in and out of the lungs. Some babies need medicine. A few need surgery. Breast milk gives your baby extra protection from infection. You can pump breast milk and bring it to the hospital for your baby. NICU (say "NIK-yoo") nurses can teach you tasks and routines you'll need to do at home to help your baby.
How Can I Help You as Your Doula?
In the chance that you have a premature birth (37 weeks or less), and resulting in a cesarean procedure, I will offer to support you during your surgery. If you choose to have your partner/ family member with you, I will meet you in the recovery room and I will help you to get comfortable and assist you with breastfeeding as well as some of your other needs. Should you require a surgical birth, my fees will stay the same. I will offer 6 hours of added postpartum support in the following weeks.
If you have a vaginal birth to deliver your premature infant(s), I will support you (physically, emotionally and mentally) and serve you as I would with a full term birth.