November 17 is World Prematurity Day, a global movement to raise awareness of premature birth and its significant impact on families. While all of us hope for a full-term baby, that’s not always the case – in South Africa, 84,000 preterm infants are born each year, and 10% are at an increased risk of complications, including respiratory issues and neurological disorders. With this in mind, what are six things to know if your baby is born prematurely?
Get familiar with specialised neonatal care
In many cases, premature babies will need a period of time in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where they can get round-the-clock care from specialist neonatal paediatricians and nurses. These facilities also provide specialised equipment and support that may be needed to help with their breathing, regulating their body temperature and feeding. Getting quality premature care is critical for your baby’s long-term health, so when choosing a hospital for your baby’s birth, check its NICU facilities and whether it has experienced NICU nurses and specialists to handle premature births.
Check your medical aid coverage
It’s important to understand your medical aid’s coverage when it comes to premature births. While most medical aid plans in South Africa cover neonatal care, the extent of the coverage will depend on your specific plan. There may be limits on the number of days in NICU or on specific treatments that may be covered, for example. Some medical aid providers, such as Fedhealth, provide comprehensive benefits, including cover for specialists during your baby’s hospital stay and post-natal follow-ups with a network GP or gynaecologist, as well as ongoing support through a 24-hour baby advice phone line.
There may be ongoing monitoring
Depending on how premature your baby is, they may experience delays in their development that affect their physical growth, motor skills and cognitive abilities. In more severe cases, they can be at risk of longer-term challenges such as hearing impairment or vision problems, so early intervention and continuous monitoring are critical. In the months after your baby has been discharged from the hospital, specialists like physiotherapists or occupational therapists may need to monitor their progress through childhood.
Breastfeeding can be challenging
Breastfeeding premature babies can be challenging as they may not have developed the strength to suckle and can tire quickly. Depending on how premature they are, they may need to be fed via a feeding tube until they’re strong and well enough to breastfeed. In the meantime, it’s worth expressing breast milk that your baby can have later as it contains antibodies and important nutrients. Once you can start breastfeeding directly, you’ll be encouraged to feed your baby often to increase your milk supply. You may also want to continue using a breast pump at the same time to boost your milk supply. If you’re unable to breastfeed, there are specific preterm baby formula options available that are specifically designed for a premature baby’s nutritional needs.
Kangaroo mother care can make a positive difference
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a way of caring for preterm infants that involves the baby being held on the chest – usually by the mother – with skin-to-skin contact. It’s a simple but powerful method that various studies have shown has a significant impact on lowering mortality rates in preterm infants. Key features of KMC include prolonged skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby (typically, the baby is bundled against your chest, resembling preterm babies crawling inside their mother’s pouch) and exclusive breastfeeding if possible. While KMC is usually initiated in hospital, it can be continued at home.
It can take an emotional toll
Having a premature baby can take a heavy emotional toll on mothers and parents. Having your baby in an incubator or being unable to hold, touch and breastfeed them immediately after they’re born can be heart wrenching. Then there’s the added stress of worrying about them if they’re in poor health. If you find yourself in this situation, ensure you get the proper support you need – from your partner, other family members, close friends or a preemie support group. In South Africa, support networks like the South African Neonatal Association (SANA) and other community-based groups can help provide emotional support and advice to parents. Basic self-care during this time is also very important, including eating well, drinking plenty of water and resting.
Having a baby born prematurely can be a very stressful time in any parent’s life as you cope with worrying about your baby’s health and not being able to take them home from the hospital as soon as you’d like. But knowledge is power, and being prepared for this eventuality can go a long way to keeping you calm and positive in a difficult time. The bond between a mother and child is powerful, and through small moments of progress, you can look forward to taking a healthy and happy baby home with you sooner rather than later.
