If your baby is born premature, he will need the same care as another newborn, only that his care must be adjusted to his age.
When a premature baby leaves the hospital it is because he is already recovered, that is, he maintains his stable temperature, he is able to suck and swallow well, he gains weight, he does not need oxygen and he does not have difficulties in breathing or, if he does, they are very brief and does not require treatment.
As soon as they are discharged , the parents will be in charge of providing the affection and care necessary for their child. These are the same as those of any newborn, only adjusted for their corrected age.
This is calculated by adding the weeks with which he was born and those spent outside the uterus. For example, a child born at 34 weeks gestation will be 37 weeks of corrected age when he turns 3 weeks after delivery (34 + 3 = 37). The baby is no longer premature at 37 weeks corrected age.
CARE AND PRECAUTIONS
During the first weeks the baby comes home, it should be kept slightly warmer than usual 22 ° C. Its body temperature regulating mechanism usually works properly when it is discharged. But, because of its low weight and having more body surface to fat than a full-term baby, you may need help keeping warm.
If not, you will consume calories to achieve this and you will not gain as much weight. If he is restless, check his temperature and touch his hands, legs and neck to confirm that they are not cold. It is also affected by excessive heat. Especially in their first year of life, these little ones need special vigilance in feeding, development and growth, and disease prevention.
You must be especially strict with the application of their vaccines . The risk of infections increases in those born before 35 weeks of gestation, since until then the passage of antibodies from the mother to the fetus through the placenta is quite low. Premature babies not only need more time to mature their immune systems than full-term babies, but they also have fewer antibodies of maternal origin.
The most common infections in these babies are respiratory and digestive. Regarding development, you should always take into account the corrected age. A baby born four weeks before, when he is two months old will have the maturity and growth of a one month old (8-4 = 4 weeks).
BREASTFEEDING
Ideally, you should breastfeed for as long as possible. The baby may need more frequent feedings than a full-term baby, since its stomach is very small. Or have less sucking force and need more time with each feeding, or get tired and not empty your breasts. So in the first few weeks you should sometimes use a milk pump after feeding your little one and above all, be very patient.