Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies

I can't say enough about this book! What a help it has been for keeping my sanity and getting me through one of the most difficult times in my life. I was admitted to the hospital with premature labor at 20 weeks into my pregnancy. I stayed there for 3 months before delivering our son at the gestational age of 32 weeks, 4 days. Not knowing when I was actually going to deliver, this book explained everything one should expect at all stages of a pre-term delivery, beginning from 26 weeks through 34+ weeks. It covers reasons for premature labor and delivery, surgeries and drugs administered for premature labor, surviving bedrest/hospitalization, delivery, EVERYTHING to expect in a NICU, the differences between pre-term and full-term babies, bringing your preemie home, and their development during the chilhood years. Although I was not having twins, etc. myself, the book also includes a lot of great information on multiples. After reading and understanding the types of monitors and machinery my baby may have needed at each stage, I felt much better knowing WHY these things were attached to our son when he was born. My husband and I also took a tour of the NICU at our hospital (which I highly recommend!)so that it was much less of a shock when we found ourselves there after delivery. This book was right on the money, and we got to see everything they talked about hands-on. This is an excellent book to help anyone conquer the fears, worries and misconceptions of having a premature infant (and it also comes highly recommended from the nurses and neonatologists of our NICU as well!)

If, like us, you deal with the unbelieveable stress of the NICU by learning as much as you can about premature babies, this book is priceless. During the 14 weeks that our son (born at 30 weeks) was in intensive care, we referred to this book numerous times and the social workers recommended it by name. It covers all of the major problems you and your baby are likely to encounter in a clear, straightforward way that's easy to understand. When you can't quite remember what the doctor said about a certain condition, it's also a great reference.If you have to have a preemie in the hospital, I'd say you have to have this book. Now that our little boy is at home, we're still using it and I suspect we'll keep reading sections and recommending it to others for years to come. I also like the Preemie Parents' Companion.

Even though I was an ICU nurse (adult) I was not prepared for the world I entered after my daughter was born at 26 weeks. When my daughter's medical conditions were explained to me the nurse in me wanted to know more so I searched the internet for help. Explanations were difficult to find and overly clinical or overly simplified. The mommy side needed reassurance and straight forward explanations. I purchased 2 books and found this one to be superior. The doctor's perspective and the parent's perspective are both given for each stage/situation as it arises. Up to date statistics and medical explanations are given with a clear, but caring demeanor. The question answer format was great! And major medical conditions are spotlighted which makes comprehending easy. I wish I had purchased this book sooner during the hospital stay. There is some information on the home stage, but not a lot. It may be better to puchase another book for that stage. I highly recommend this book and at $2200 a day the hospitals should be able to afford giving one to each preemie's parents in the NICU!

We bought four books on preemies when my membranes ruptured prematurely. This and one other (by Garcia-Prats and Hornfischer) were by far the most helpful. I have consulted it again and again.

What a great book! It has answered all the questions my husband and I have had about our premature baby. All the information is practical and straightforward without being negative or intimidating. The book is organized in chronological order, from before birth to bringing your baby home and beyond. It also includes useful resources for parents. We wish the book had been published when our preemie was born, but we're still finding it an invaluable resource today.