By Anino Aganbi

BABIES have always been the pride of  parents with all the love and affection being put into awaiting the arrival of at bundle of joy.  Then fate steps in, this precious bundle of joy arrives some  4- 8 weeks before if not much earlier than the expectant date and the sweet expectant mama gets thrown into panic.

Naturally, babies never follow the time table outlined for them by doctors. Premature babies are usually referred to as preemies. When a child is born premature,  how well is the new mother equipped  to enable her care  for her child especially when that child is out of intensive care.

The early arrival is bound to be a worrying time for the parents.I­ t might help if you know some basic facts about the health problems that premature babies can have. Be assured that the ­ nurses and doctors are specialists who have a lot of experience in treating these conditions.
Tips to caring for premature babies

Give Special Care

Premature babies are not fully equipped ­ to deal with life in our world. Their little bodies still have underdeveloped parts. Technology has made it possible for preemies to survive the first few days­ , weeks or months of life until they are­ strong enough to make it on their own

Keep your premature baby comfortable

In many ways, your premature baby is just like any other baby. He needs to stay ­ warm and dry. He needs to be kept clean,­ and have enough fluids and nourishment.­ Above all, he needs you, and the comfort of your love­ and care.­

Premature babies can’t keep themselves ­ warm at first, partly because they have ­ not built up stores of body fat. This is­ why they are placed in cots that are kept warm (incubators).

Holding your baby against your bare skin helps keep your baby warm. Your smell, the rhythm of your­ breathing, and just being close to you ­ are all soothing for your baby.­
Feeding

Breast milk is the best nutrition for your premature baby and has many health benefits­ for him. ­ Your baby may be too small or too sick ­ to feed themselves.
Breast milk has particular benefits, especially for sick or premature babies, as­ it is enriched with proteins,fats and minerals.