Tips from Parents of Premature Babies

Below are some handy tips & advice from parents of premature babies who have been through the NICU/SCN rollercoaster journey with their children.

Look after yourself too so you have the energy to look after your baby. Your baby is looking to you for love and strength and those are the most powerful medicines that you can give to them.

Mum of Rachel born at 24+2 weeks gestation

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Talking to other parents certainly does help also joining forums where you can chat at your leisure from home connects you with other families. Take heaps of pictures and either keep a diary or start a blog!

Mum of Ronan born at 27+3 weeks gestation

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Get to know the other parents in the NICU. I have made very many great friends who helped me through the ups and downs that come with having premature bubs. We are still providing support to each other 2 years down the track. Keep a journal of things that happen whilst they are in hospital. It’s ok to cry and let your emotions show the hospital staff are very supportive.

Mum of Jordan and Benjamin born at 24+5 weeks gestation

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This is probably one of the most difficult experiences in your life, but try to find balance – easier said than done some days – between the worries and the joys. Don’t miss out on the happiness your amazing baby can bring you right now by stressing too much about the future. Take care of yourself, enjoy every little milestone and find people who will give you the emotional support you need (including other parents of prems) to come to terms with what has happened and start the healing process.

Mum of Talia born at 26+6 weeks gestation

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I would advise parents to take the time for each other and their other children if they have any. Family is so very important and having some ’space’ to be normal is vital.

Mum of Ava born at 25+6 weeks gestation

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Take lots of photos!! Take comparison photo’s with a teddy or something to remind yourself how little they where and how far they have come. Remember to take care of you too… bubs needs you to be healthy.

Mum of Indiana born at 28+1 weeks gestation

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Take LOTS of pictures & keep a diary. Stand up for yourself and your baby, don’t let anyone push you around just because they are looking after your baby. Take people up on their offers to help.

Mum to Brendan born at 30+1 weeks gestation

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Giving birth to a prem baby is such an unexpected journey, ask the NICU nurses about all the amazing miracles they have seen… this gave me so much hope and you are allowed to cry… you can’t be strong the whole time.

Mum to Charlee-Belle born at 31+4 weeks gestation

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It is not easy but it is worth every struggle. You will have ups and downs and many frustrations but the pain will be outweighed by the beautiful boy or girl you have who has struggled so hard to be with you. When times are tough spend a minute looking at your baby or holding your baby and you will know it was worth it. Also get as much support around you as you can. This includes family, friends and through L’il Aussie Prems

Dad to Kai born at 32 weeks gestation

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Knowledge is power. Remember statistics are only that…and they are always changing – because our babies change them. Take loads of photos and still record all your “firsts” like first bath, first nappy change etc….

Mum to Harper & Cleo born at 32 weeks gestation

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Remember it is your baby, advocate for him/her whenever possible & take tonnes of photos, you will never believe they were so small when they are nearly 10 years old!!!

Mum to Eloise born at 34 weeks gestation

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Accept your child for whom they are. Don’t label them with problems just because of their gestational age. Tim at 36 weeks, caused us more dramas than his sister who was born at 32 weeks. Whatever gestation your baby is born at focus on what they achieve, not what they cannot achieve!

Mum to Tim born at 36+3 weeks gestation

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The information & advice from parents above is not intended to replace professional advice in anyway. We hope that it will give you comfort, advice & inspiration from other parents who have been in the NICU/SCN with their premature babies to help you along with your journey.

Always consult with your doctor or health professional if you have any concerns about your baby’s health or your wellbeing.