Posted on April 25th, 2023

As a premature birth advocate, I understand the emotional rollercoaster that comes with having a premature baby. The feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty can be overwhelming. However, it's important to remember that you're not alone in this journey. With the right support and resources, you can navigate this challenging time with confidence and strength. In this blog post, I'll provide tips and insights on how to cope with the emotional ups and downs of having a premature baby.

Understanding the Emotions of Premature Birth

It's completely normal to feel a range of emotions when you have a premature baby. The experience can be traumatic and overwhelming, leaving parents feeling scared and uncertain about what's to come. Some common emotions parents may experience include:

• Guilt: Feeling like you did something wrong or that your body failed you and your baby.
• Fear: Worrying about your baby's health and future, and feeling helpless to protect them.
• Anger: Feeling frustrated or angry at yourself, your body, the healthcare system, or others for your baby's premature birth.
• Sadness: Mourning the loss of a "normal" birth experience and feeling sad that you can't take your baby home right away.

It's important to recognize that these emotions are normal and valid. Don't try to suppress them or feel guilty for feeling them. Allow yourself to feel what you're feeling and seek out support to help you cope.

Seeking Support

Support is crucial for parents of premature babies. Surrounding yourself with people who understand what you're going through can make all the difference. Here are some ways to seek out support:

• Join a support group: Online or in-person support groups can connect you with other parents who have been through a similar experience. It can be helpful to talk to people who truly understand what you're going through.
• Reach out to family and friends: Don't be afraid to ask for help or support from loved ones. They may not know how to help unless you ask.
• Talk to a therapist: A mental health professional can provide support and guidance as you navigate the emotional ups and downs of premature birth.

The Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact with Premature Babies

Skin-to-skin contact (also known as kangaroo care) is a method of holding your baby against your skin. This practice has many benefits for premature babies, including:

• Stabilizing vital signs: Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to stabilize a premature baby's heart rate, breathing, and temperature.
• Reducing stress: Being held skin-to-skin can help reduce a premature baby's stress levels.
• Improving breastfeeding: Skin-to-skin contact can improve breastfeeding rates in premature babies.
• If your baby is in the NICU, talk to your healthcare team about incorporating skin-to-skin contact into your baby's care plan.

Coping with the NICU Experience

Having a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be overwhelming and stressful. Here are some tips for coping with the NICU experience:

• Take breaks: It's important to take care of yourself during this time. Take breaks when you need to and prioritize your mental and physical health.
• Stay informed: Ask your healthcare team for updates and information about your baby's care. Knowing what's going on can help reduce anxiety.
• Connect with other NICU parents: Joining a support group for NICU parents can help you feel less alone and provide valuable information and resources.

Taking Care of Yourself

Taking care of your own physical and emotional needs is crucial when you have a premature baby. Here are some tips for self-care:

• Rest: Make sure to get enough sleep and rest when you can. This can be difficult with a new baby, but prioritize rest when possible.
• Eat well: Eating a healthy diet can help you feel better physically and emotionally. Make sure to fuel your body with nutritious foods.
• Exercise: Light exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety. Talk to your healthcare provider about what types of exercise are safe for you.

Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish - it's necessary for your own well-being and the well-being of your baby.

The Importance of Mental Health Support for Parents of Premature Babies

Having a premature baby can take a toll on your mental health. It's important to seek out support if you're struggling. Here are some signs that you may benefit from mental health support:

• Feeling overwhelmed or anxious: If you're feeling like you can't cope with the stress of having a premature baby, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist.
• Difficulty bonding with your baby: Premature birth can sometimes make it more difficult to bond with your baby. A mental health professional can provide support and guidance.
• Feeling sad or depressed: It's normal to feel sad after a traumatic experience like premature birth, but if these feelings persist, it may be helpful to seek out mental health support.

Remember that seeking out mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Managing the Stress of Premature Birth

Premature birth can be incredibly stressful for parents. Here are some tips for managing stress:

• Practice relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help reduce stress levels.
• Get outside: Spending time in nature can be calming and help reduce stress.
• Do things you enjoy: Make time for hobbies or activities that bring you joy and help you relax.

Remember that managing stress is an ongoing process - it's important to prioritize stress reduction techniques throughout your premature birth journey.

Navigating the Healthcare System

Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with a premature birth. Here are some tips for navigating the healthcare system:

• Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask your healthcare team questions about your baby's care.
• Advocate for your baby: You are your baby's best advocate. If you feel like something isn't right, speak up.
• Take notes: Keep track of important information and notes from your healthcare team. This can help you stay organized and informed.

Remember that you have the right to be an active participant in your baby's care.

Finding Meaning in the Experience

While premature birth can be a traumatic experience, it can also be an opportunity for growth and reflection. Here are some ways to find meaning in the experience:

• Connect with others: Connecting with other parents of premature babies can help you find meaning in the experience and feel less alone.
• Write about your experience: Journaling or blogging about your premature birth journey can help you process your emotions and find meaning in the experience.
• Volunteer: Volunteering with organizations that support premature babies can be a way to find purpose in your experience.

Remember that finding meaning in the experience is a personal journey - there's no right or wrong way to do it.

Having a premature baby can be a challenging and emotional experience, but with the right support and resources, you can navigate this journey with confidence and strength. Remember to seek out support, take care of yourself, and advocate for your baby's care. Skin-to-skin contact and mental health support are two important aspects of premature birth care that parents should prioritize. If you're struggling emotionally, don't hesitate to seek out mental health support. Remember that finding meaning in the experience is a personal journey, and there's no right or wrong way to do it.

At Konnected Thru 22, I understand the challenges that come with having a premature baby. I offer Instagram Live chats and social impact speaker services to connect with parents and provide support and guidance through the premature birth journey. If you have any questions or want to learn more, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].