The Preemie Parents' Companion: The Essential Guide to Caring for Your Premature Baby in the Hospital, at Home, and Through the First Years

I read this book cover to cover when I was put on bed rest. I had my twins 10wks early and this book had me so prepared it took the stress of having premature twins down significantly. I knew exactly what to expect. I referenced this book daily. I highly recommend this this book if you or your loved ones have a premature pregnancy.

I am both a physician and a mother of a son who arrived 11 weeks early. This book has helped in every facet of my premature parenthood from breastfeeding (or, in my case, my ongoing attempts) to just feeling I was not the only preemie parent out there. In addition, the explanations of the various medical problems premature babies may face are excellent. Truly, a book that every premature parent would benefit from having.

Our son was born at 26 weeks (3 months early) and was in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until one day past his due date. We were given this book after he'd been there one month. Let me tell you what a life-saver it was! We had been given a "crash course" in the care delivered to a premature infant... very scary stuff. Wires, machines, noise, drugs -- and in the middle of it all this unbelievably tiny human being who is your child. This book took much of the fear away and instead educated us. Preemies don't stop being preemies when they come home! This book gives the technical data in an easy to understand format that is not condescending and also focuses on the emotional as well as physical needs of the baby. Additionally, it gives contacts and information on potential problems, how to spot them early, and how to handle them. There is also a good referal list in the back. I would recommend this book not only to preemie parents, but to anyone in contact with a preemie and their family. PS. As of this writing, our son is one year old and doing great!

My son was born seven weeks early and although we knew there was a possibility of this we were not prepared for some of the unique situations that we experienced. This book could be our story for how accurately it describes what happens from birth to the NICU. Five months later I still reference it. If you think you might have your baby early buy this now!

After our daughter's premature birth at 26 gestational weeks I purchased three books on the subject and read the materials available in the parents' room at the NICU. I found this to be the handiest reference for a number of reasons. First, it provides general information on common preemie conditions and care without delving into too much detail. There is enough information to give you a foundation to discuss your child's condition with care providers. Second, it offers useful information for the transition to caring for your premature child at home. Specifically, the book includes sample questions, checklists and diaries, which I used as a template for my own checklists and care/medicine logs. Finally, the tone and style of this book help parents keep things in perspective without adding anxiety to an already challenging experience.If you buy this book at the beginning of your child's stay in the NIC, you will be able to make full use of the information it contains.

There are numerous books written for parents of babies born at the normal and expected time, on or around the due date. Parents-to-be start reading about what life with a new baby will be like long before that anticipated date. But imagine never going through the last trimester, suddenly and unexpectedly giving birth months too early, having a newborn who weighs about one third the weight of many "normal" newborns. Susan Madden weaves her own personal account of such an experience and from the beginning chapter, "First Questions", her writing speaks directly to the parents who find themselves in this frightening situation. Her book is extremely well researched and the information is clearly communicated to the reader. The writer conveys empathy and compassion for the parents who are in such a predicament; she addresses common concerns of the first few days in the hospital, coming home with the preemie, and what to expect as the child grows. It is almost as if there were a reassuring, yet very knowledgeable friend trying to coach you through a difficult time. The way the book is organized makes it an excellent reference. Each chapter is divided into short and manageable sections. You can scan the pages to quickly locate the part that is most relevant to you at any point in time. There is also an excellent index, as well as a set of appendices and a glossary of terms. If you need real support- to feel that someone else understands and can address your myriad concerns - you will be reassured and heartened by reading her informative book.