What to expect for premature-born babies

The smallest babies are placed in an incubator that is both warm and humid. Premature babies have underdeveloped temperature regulation and need help staying warm. Their skin is also very thin and needs moisture. Over time, babies are transitioned to a heated bed and later to a regular crib.

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is filled with a lot of technical equipment. It can be frightening for parents to see their baby connected to tubes and wires and to hear alarms going off constantly.

The equipment is essential for monitoring and treating the babies. It provides us with important information about the baby’s condition, so we can track any changes and take action when necessary.

Many parents may become frightened when alarms sound and feel the staff isn't responding quickly enough. Remember that not all alarms are serious, and the nurses are very familiar with the sounds. Sometimes false alarms can happen, for example, if the baby is restless.

 Babies born between 28-32 weeks have underdeveloped lungs. They often have a "wheezing," heavy breath, indicating stiff lungs. During this period, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) can help keep the lungs open, making it easier for the baby to breathe.

The CPAP mask or prong sits over or in the baby's nose and is attached to a special cap. Through CPAP, the baby can receive oxygen if needed.

CPAP treatment can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the stiffness of the lungs. Some babies born between 28-32 weeks may also need medication to help mature their lungs (Curosurf). This medicine is given through a plastic tube inserted into the windpipe.

When the doctor administers Curosurf, the baby will be sedated. Afterward, the plastic tube can often be removed, but some babies may need a ventilator for a short time. Once the baby receives this treatment (CPAP, Curosurf, or ventilator), their lungs will gradually become more normal.

Babies born between 28-32 weeks cannot breastfeed effectively at first, so they cannot eat on their own. When a baby is too immature or sick to eat by themselves, they will receive milk through a feeding tube (a small plastic tube that goes through the nose into the stomach).

The milk the baby receives through the tube is expressed breast milk from the mother. Before the mother’s milk production is established, the baby may receive formula or donor milk. The smallest babies are often initially fed through an intravenous line (IV) to provide nutrients directly into the bloodstream.

Over time, the baby may begin to feed through breastfeeding. We know that premature babies have just as good a chance as full-term babies to be fully breastfed. The journey to exclusive breastfeeding starts when the baby is placed skin-to-skin with the mother.

Gradually, the baby can be encouraged to latch onto the breast to smell and taste the milk. Mother and baby will receive guidance and support from the nurses as breastfeeding begins. By the time the baby reaches full term, most premature babies will be able to breastfeed exclusively.

Most premature babies will develop jaundice (yellowish skin or whites of the eyes). Jaundice is harmless, but it requires treatment. The baby may become tired and sluggish. Jaundice is treated with light therapy (phototherapy), which is completely safe.

The baby will lie in their crib or incubator with light shining over or under them. The baby should be as exposed as possible to the light to get the most benefit. To protect their eyes from the strong light, the baby will wear special "sunglasses."  

Your baby will likely remain in the NICU until they are at or near their due date. The baby will be ready to go home when they can eat all their food by themselves and are gaining weight.

Some babies may need follow-up care after they go home. There is a service called NAST (Neonatal Ambulatory Nurse Team) that can provide follow-up for families at home when the baby is ready to stop respiratory support and only needs practice with feeding. There are certain criteria for receiving this service. Please ask the NICU team if you want more information about the NAST service.

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is equipped with a lot of technical devices. It can be frightening for parents to see their baby with tubes and wires attached to their body and hear the constant alarms.

The equipment is essential for monitoring and treating the babies. It provides us with crucial information about the baby’s condition, allowing us to track changes and take necessary actions when needed.

It is common for parents to become scared when alarms sound, thinking the staff isn’t responding fast enough. Keep in mind that not all alarms are critical, and the nurses are very familiar with these sounds. Sometimes, false alarms occur, such as when the baby is restless.

Some babies born between 33-35 weeks may be able to breastfeed immediately, while others will need some time and assistance to get enough nutrition. If the baby is too immature or sick to feed on their own, they will receive milk through a cup or feeding tube (a small plastic tube that goes through the nose and down into the stomach).

The milk the baby receives through the tube is expressed breast milk from the mother. Before the mother’s milk supply is established, the baby may receive formula or donor milk.

Over time, the baby will be able to consume all their milk through breastfeeding. Premature babies have just as good a chance as full-term babies to breastfeed exclusively. The journey to exclusive breastfeeding starts when the baby is placed skin-to-skin with the mother.

Gradually, the baby will be encouraged to latch onto the breast to smell and taste the milk. Mother and baby will receive guidance and support from the nurses as breastfeeding begins. By the time the baby reaches full term, most premature babies will be able to exclusively breastfeed.

Most premature babies will develop jaundice (yellowish skin and whites of eyes). Jaundice is harmless, but it requires treatment. The baby may become tired and sluggish. Jaundice is treated with light therapy (phototherapy), which is completely safe.

The baby will lie in their crib or incubator with light shining over or under them. The baby should be as exposed as possible to the light to maximize the treatment. To protect their eyes from the strong light, the baby will wear special "sunglasses."  

Your baby will likely remain in the NICU until they are at or near their due date. The baby will be ready to go home when they can eat all their food by themselves and are gaining weight.

Some babies may need follow-up care after they go home. There is a service called NAST (Neonatal Ambulatory Nurse Team) that can provide follow-up care for families at home when the baby is ready to stop respiratory support and only needs practice with feeding. Certain criteria apply to qualify for this service. Contact the NICU staff for more information.