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The statistics on preemies are rising at staggering rates. Preemies as early as 22-23 weeks are now surviving.
The NICU environment can leave parents feeling so detached from their little ones as NICU staff fights for these little lives. As a parent letting yourself feel this attachment can be difficult, because the outcome may be not be what is hoped for.
Mustering up the courage to move in close is not easy. However, doing so can mean a world of difference in the outcome of these situations. Your little one depends on you to find that courage and reach out to make that bonding commitment. Touch. At first it may seem so difficult, but all you really need to do is cradle their tiny little bodies with your hands. Hold them by just cupping your hands around them. As the grandmother of 2 preemies, I know this works, because we would stand for hours doing this very thing with our 26.5 week micro preemie granddaughter.
As time goes by and as your little one(s) progress, dressing your preemie is another way to interact with them. It is the beginning of healing as you are able to now take a very abnormal situation and make it seem just a little more normal.
While you can't just go to the mall and buy clothes this small there is a place that carries adorable little outfits for even the tiniest of preemies. These clothes have actually been tested in the NICU and nurses and doctors are comfortable with them as long as they meet certain requirements which we try to meet. In fact NICU nurses actually love them as it gives them an opportunity to do something kind of normal for the preemies in their care. They become very attached to these little ones and love dressing them just as much as the parents do.
So do you have to have clothes for your preemie...no, but is it a nice way of bonding? Absolutely! Out of our experience not just once but twice, I saw the need for a place where parents and families could go that is simple to navigate, and carries a whole bundle of adorable little outfits in soft cottons and precious prints.
By R Herranen
Go to Baby Preemies link» |
