Top tips from premmie mums

This past year I have been helping produce a newsletter for the website L’il Aussie Prems. I’ve been writing articles which summarise some of the health issues affecting premature babies, and also started the “Prem of the Month” section. Each month we feature a child who was born prematurely and ask the mother about their child’s journey, and for a tip they would like to share with other mums.

Here is a selection of those words of wisdom.

I guess I could say try and “normalise” things as much as possible. So cuddle your baby/s as soon as you can and feed them, and bathe them and just love them, even if they feel tiny and fragile and you are scared to touch them in case you hurt them. They need to know you are there for them from the very beginning. L, June 2008

1) Record as many details of your journey as possible including photos and a diary. And 2) reach out and make friends with other premmie parents. When you are at the hospital you do not feel like a minority, yet when you get your baby home, you all of a sudden feel very alone and there seems to be no-one else around that understands. M, May 2008

They have their own time, own target. Each baby is different and only you know your baby so take each comment with a pinch of salt. They are special creatures and give them as much love as you possibly can… S, August 2008

Take photos everyday while in hospital. While it may not be the happiest time it is amazing to see the difference day to day and is a good way to remind yourself that they are growing. J, April 2008

Don’t ever feel guilty or blame yourself for your bubs coming early. D, September 2008

Don’t be scared to ask for help! Accept offers of help and take heaps of photos as they grow up so fast. Cherish every moment, write a diary - I never did and wish I had with both boys. If your hospital offers professional photos get them done, take their foot and hand prints, have a teddy or something for comparison photos. R, February 2008

Be positive, and take it all one day at a time. J, October 2008

Don’t compare. Its the hardest thing to stop yourself from doing. But all prems are different, so even the same gestational age babies will have different development graphs. Your baby is unique, so just focus on the positives and don’t compare to what other babies are doing. L, November 2008

Take lots and lots of photos - and make sure you keep a copy of them somewhere safe. I lost a lot of photos when my computer died and I didn’t have a backup. Also I wish I’d kept a journal, even if it was brief, because all those vivid early memories which I thought I would never forget are starting to dim now that time is passing and so many new memories are being created as Talia grows. K, January 2008

Quotes published with permission of L’il Aussie Prems.