Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies »

DANA WECHSLER LINDEN, a journalist, was a senior editor at Forbes magazine when she gave birth to premature twins. She lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.

MIA WECHSLER DORON, M.D., a neonatologist at the Newborn Critical Care Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is Dana’s sister. In addition to caring for patients, she conducts clinical research, teaches, and writes on ethics and medical decision making. Mia lives in North Carolina with her husband and daughter.

EMMA TRENTI PAROLI, a medical news writer, has authored cover stories for L’Espresso and other leading publications. She and Dana met when their children shared the same room in the neonatal intensive care unit. Emma lives in New York City with her husband and son.

Preemies is the only resource of its kind — a comprehensive "Dr. Spock"-like reference that is both reassuring and realistic, delivering up-to-the-minute information on medical care in a warm, caring, and engaging voice. Authors Dana Wechsler Linden and Emma Trenti Paroli are parents who have "been there." Together with neonatologist Mia Wechsler Doron, they answer the dozens of questions that parents will have at every stage — from high-risk pregnancy through preemie's hospitalization, to homecoming and the preschool years — imparting a vast, detailed store of knowledge in clear language that all readers can understand.

Preemies covers topics related to premature birth,including:

• What are your risk factors for having a premature baby?
• Can you do something to delay early labor?
• What do doctors know about you baby's outlook during her first minutes and days of life?
• How will your preemie's progress be monitored?
• Can you breastfeed your preemie?
• How do you cope with a long hospitalization?
• What should you know if your baby needs surgery?
• Are there special preparations for you baby's homecoming?
• What kind of stimulation during the first year gives your baby the best chance?
• Will your preemie grow up healthy? Normal?

Publishers Weekly

Linden and Paroli, mothers who met in the hospital when their preemies were born, and neonatologist Doron present a comprehensive guidebook for parents whose babies are born prematurely. One out of 10 babies in the U.S. is born early, but in half of these cases the mothers have no known risk of giving birth prematurely, so they can't prepare for the whirlwind of unexpected events and emotions they will experience in the neonatal unit. The authors fulfill the need for information with remarkable clarity, offering answers to a multitude of questions. Divided into four sections (Before Birth, In the Hospital, A Life Together and Other Considerations), the book covers risk factors, the first day, the first week, surgery, taking the baby home and many other topics. Each section contains personal observations from parents of preemies, insightful comments from "the doctor's perspective" and information on procedures, equipment, common problems and other issues. While medical information is presented in detail, the book maintains a personal, reassuring tone, explaining that, though their organs and body functions are immature, most preemies are basically healthy. Since parents can't always plan ahead for the possibility of a preemie, this book provides a valuable crash course and serves as a useful tool for communicating with medical staff. Includes a helpful resource guide and glossary. (Aug.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

Contents

Introduction

A Note to the Reader: How to Use This Book

Part I

Before Birth

1 In the Womb: Why Premature Birth Happens and What Can Be Done to Prevent It

For parents trying to grasp the extent of their risk, and what they can do to minimize it. Also for parents looking back, trying to make sense of what happened.

Part II

In the Hospital

2 Welcome to the World: Your Baby's Delivery

Your baby's transition from the womb to the world. Preparing for, and understanding, a premature birth.

3 The First Day

Entering the foreign world of the neonatal intensive care unit. Why it's the best place for you baby to be.

4 The First Week

A time of crucial test results and waiting. Understanding that things sometimes get worse before they get better.

5 Settling Down in the Hospital

Making the NICU the best possible home-away-from-home for you and your baby.

6 If Your Baby Needs Surgery

Guiding parents through an event that is usually scarier than it needs to be.

Part III

A Life Together

7 Finally Taking Your Baby Home

Decisions and preparations for the moment you've been waiting for.

8 From Preemie to Preschool (and Beyond)

A time to watch you baby's health and development — and gradually begin to relax and enjoy!

9 When Parents Have Something Special to Worry About

Learning more about some possible consequences of prematurity.

Part IV

Other Considerations

10 Losing a Baby

Helping you deal with a profound grief, and guiding you through the necessary arrangements.

Appendices

Appendix 1: Conversion Charts

Appendix 2: Growth Charts

Appendix 3: A Schedule for Months

Appendix 4: Cardio-Pulmonary Resucitation — Birth to One Year

Appendix 5: Resources for Parents of Premature Babies

Glossary

Index