If your pēpi is born preterm, they may need specialist care in the neonatal intensive care unit (also referred to as NICU) or special care baby unit (also referred to as SCBU). This may involve support with breathing and feeding and being in an incubator to keep warm. In general, the earlier your pēpi is born, the more likely they are to need support and for a longer time. For pēpi born very preterm (before 28 weeks) you may expect them to stay in NICU until the original expected due date.
Whilst pēpi is in NICU/SCBU you will be encouraged and expected to help with their care. You and your partner will be able to spend as much time there as you like. Once your pēpi is stable, you will be able to have skin-to-skin cuddles. Your milk is really beneficial for your pēpi but at first your pēpi might not be ready to latch on and so pēpi can be given your expressed milk.
If you have been transferred to a different hospital to get the right care for your preterm pēpi, you are likely to be transferred back to your own hospital once pēpi is big enough and well enough to be cared for in that hospital. The hospital will make arrangements for this travel.
What challenges could my pēpi face?
In the first few weeks and months of life
- Breathing support required
- Feeding support required
- Infection due to an immature immune system
- Inflammation and injury of the gut/intestines (called necrotising enterocolitis)
- Bleeding in the brain (called intraventricular haemorrhage)
- Jaundice
- Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
In the long-term
- Breathing problems (called chronic lung disease)
- Learning delay, needing extra help at school
- Behaviour and mental health issues
- Problems with sight and hearing
- Cerebral palsy (a condition which affects the ability to move and maintain balance/posture)
Your pēpi is not likely to face all of these challenges, but they may face some.
Care for me after preterm birth
Care for your physical health as you recover from preterm birth will be provided by the medical team in hospital and your midwife. They should also talk to you about your preterm birth, why it happened, will it happen again, and what can be done to reduce the chance of another early birth.
You will be encouraged to establish your milk supply to express milk so that your pēpi can receive your milk once they are ready. Feeding can sometimes be more difficult and take longer after a preterm birth. Your midwife can help with this and refer you to a local Lactation Consultant if required.
After early preterm birth (before34 weeks) māmā/people have generally recovered and are healthy enough to leave hospital before their preterm pēpi are ready to go home. You will be encouraged to visit pēpi every day. At times it can be emotionally and mentally difficult after a preterm birth. Your midwife or doctor may refer you to a Social Worker/Counsellor or Maternal Mental Health service for extra support. Please ask for this extra support if you feel you need it.