Preemie ?

keykey

my sister inlaw just had her baby last night at only 32 weeks. the baby is doing well and weighs 3 lbs 4 oz. i was just wondering how long the hospital will keep the baby? i was also wondering if anyone had any tips or advice on careing for a preemie that i could pass on to my sister inlaw.

lstaylor73

Typically they will keep the baby up until about the EDD.  The best reference you could give her is the book Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies.  It is hands down the best parent friendly thorough book out there that will explain everything in terms anyone can understand.  Also, she will frequently need a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and a heart that keeps looking after her well being once the baby is home for the first year.  This preemie parenthood thing is no walk in the park and there are some very rough days ahead.

You are a very awsome sister in law to seek out advice on how to help her.  

trickytrice

You can never predict how long a preemie will stay in the hospital. She will learn lots of things while in the NICU with her baby. There are many tips and lots of advice. There is a post below ( or maybe on the next page) by KellyMichelle with advice. If you find a post of hers just click the link and there is lots of info in there. A good place to start is Marchofdimes.org

SBMBride406

I just answered your post in 6-12. I advise her to come here for support, too!

RRHsMom

I agree with what all the pp have said.  It is so hard to predict when babies will come home since they seem to progress at their own rate and have their own unique set of challenges.  I also wanted to say that she should trust her doctors and nurses and ask a lot of questions.  It can be very overwhelming and hopefully she can find a few good nurses who are able to explain things well and make her feel more comfortable in the tough situation she is in.  She and the baby will be in my prayers.

Lilrdmandy

It really all depends on how her baby is doing.  I've known 4lb babies to stay for 3 days and go home, and then bigger babies to stay for longer...