While your baby is in hospital – whether the stay lasts for days, weeks or even months – much of your life is likely to revolve around the baby unit. Precisely how long this goes on for will depend on your baby's gestational age, how developed they are and whether they have health problems.
After the initial shock of seeing your baby in the unit, you will become more familiar with the hospital environment, and will gradually understand how the baby unit works.
You may continue to feel very upset and anxious about your baby, but over time you will gradually adapt to your new circumstances and start to focus on developing your own vital role in supporting your baby's care.
The baby unit
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Practical tips for surviving the baby unit
The best thing you can do for your baby is to look after yourself. That way, you will be better equipped to handle the challenges that face you and your family.
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The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)/special care baby unit (SCBU)/neonatal unit becomes the centre of the universe for parents of premature babies, so it's important to familiarise yourself with the way it operates.
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The first few days with your premature baby
The first few days after giving birth to your premature baby can pass in a daze. Here's what to expect...
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Transferring your premature baby
If your baby is very young and very sick, they may need to be transferred to another hospital with specialist facilities. This might be done before they are born or just afterwards.
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What happens just after your premature baby is born
Whatever your premature baby's birth was like, it will have taken a lot out of you, so try to rest and gather your strength for the days ahead. The medical team will assess your baby's health and start treating them if necessary.
Caring for your baby
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Kangaroo care
Skin-to-skin contact with your premature baby is a wonderful way for you both to bond. It also provides health benefits.
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Caring for your baby: your role
The healthcare team will cater for your baby's medical needs, but they need you too. As you get to know your premature baby, you will begin to work out what they need.
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Feeding your premature baby
Your premature baby's diet will be carefully balanced to suit their tiny digestive system while meeting the needs of their growing body.
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Positioning your premature baby
Positioning your premature baby correctly can make them feel secure, improve their breathing ability, strengthen their muscles and reduce the risk of cot death.
Treatment and medical support your baby may have
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Taking part in prematurity research
You may be asked if you would consider taking part in research into premature birth. We explain what this might involve.
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Your baby's time in hospital, FAQs
We answer some of your questions about your premature baby's time in the hospital and neonatal unit.
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Your premature baby - surgery
You're bound to feel anxious if your premature baby needs surgery, but try to focus on the positive: the operation is likely to help improve your baby's chances.
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Your premature baby: tests and immunisations
During their stay in the baby unit, your baby will have all kinds of checks to monitor their progress.
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Other medical conditions and premature birth
If your premature baby has any of the conditions below, ask the healthcare team to explain anything that you don’t understand.
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Your premature baby - vision and hearing
Babies born prematurely are more likely to have problems with their eyesight and hearing, but in most cases treatment is successful.
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Your premature baby: Infection
Premature babies have less developed immune systems and are more susceptible to infection, but there are ways to reduce the risk.
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Your premature baby: heart and blood flow
It's worrying if you discover that your baby has a heart problem, but most defects are treatable and some do not even need treatment.
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Breathing support for premature babies
Many premature babies need help with breathing for a while. This is known as ventilation.
ℹLast reviewed on July 1st, 2014. Next review date July 1st, 2017.
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