A Working Mom’s Guide to Raising a Premature Baby

Raising a premature baby presents unique challenges, even more so for working mothers. You may struggle to overcome the emotional and physical demands of balancing baby care with your professional commitments. The fact that preemies are weaker than other babies makes life harder. 

According to Statnews, preterm birth causes 16% of infant mortality in the US. Moreover, data shows that 10.4% of all infants in the country were born before full term in 2022. Together, these numbers show the dire situation for parents dealing with premature deliveries. The unfortunate part is that the death rate remains high despite good healthcare facilities in the US. 

Preemies often require specialized care and attention. For a working mom, leaving their tiny baby home may sound like a nightmare. However, support from loved ones and healthcare professionals can help you navigate this journey. 

This guide offers insights to help working moms effectively care for their premature babies despite the challenges involved. 

Be Prepared for the NICU Experience

March of Dimes notes that most premature babies need to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for some time. This is recommended until the baby’s organs develop and immunity becomes stronger. The weight of the infant is another factor in determining the NICU timeline. The NICU can be an intimidating environment for new parents. 

Mothers must spend time with their babies as this fosters bonding and aids in the baby’s development. You should understand the medical equipment used in the NICU to ensure less anxiety. Common devices include incubators for warmth, feeding tubes for nutrition, and ventilators for breathing support.

The good thing is that most babies come out of the NICU within their mothers’ maternity break. Moms can visit the NICU regularly and spend enough time with their babies during this period. 

Learn About Bonding Techniques

Bonding with a premature baby is important as it can help them develop and grow. As a mother, you must learn about bonding techniques and implement them in the NICU and at home. Kangaroo care or skin-to-skin contact is recommended to strengthen the connection between mothers and babies. 

According to NIH, kangaroo mother care (KMC) has both biochemical and physiological benefits. It promotes infant weight gain and reduces the need for parenteral nutrition in premature babies. Additionally, in mothers, it curbs the risk of postpartum depression. 

Breastfeeding your baby is another way to bond with them. As a working mom who will likely return to work later, you can consider pumping breast milk. However, this may not be feasible for some moms. Your pediatrician may recommend infant formula for your preemie. Remember to avoid cow-milk-based formulas though as they are known to cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.

Some parents have even filed NEC lawsuits against manufacturers, citing negligence on their behalf. The lawsuit states that brands like Enfamil and Similac did not share warnings regarding the potential risk of NEC with these products. The NEC lawsuit payout can be anything between $50,000 and $500,000.

TorHoerman Law notes that families suffering due to this product must get compensation to cover medical costs. Moreover, it should also address the cost of pain and suffering, emotional damage, and long-term care of the infant.

Get Ready for Homecoming

According to KidsHealth, most babies are taken to the NICU within 24 hours of birth. The objective is to ensure around-the-clock care by experts. However, preterm babies may have to stay there for weeks or even months, depending on their condition. If you are lucky, you will be allowed to take your preemie home within a few weeks.

Before bringing the baby home, ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Essential supplies include a crib or bassinet, clothing suitable for small sizes, and feeding supplies (bottles, breast pump). You will also need thermometers and medical supplies for monitoring health.

Establishing a daily care routine is essential. Create a realistic schedule you can smoothly align with your office routines once your break is over. Feeding practices may vary as some babies may breastfeed while others might require formula. Very tiny ones may require tube feeding.

Bathing should be done with caution. Use gentle products designed for sensitive skin. Also, be vigilant about recognizing signs of illness and know when to seek medical help.

Create a Flexible Work Schedule

The initial phase of raising a preemie is challenging, but things may get harder once you need to leave for work. Working moms should explore flexible work options such as remote work or adjusted hours. With these options, you can accommodate your caregiving responsibilities without sacrificing your career. 

Open communication with employers about specific needs can foster understanding and support during this period. Consider seeking help from family members or hiring a nanny to cover up for the gaps. 

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), you can seek a private space and reasonable time to pump your breast milk. Employees have the right to ask for this, and employers are required to follow the guidelines issued by the government. 

Invest in Self-Care

Caring for a premature baby can be stressful. For a working mom, the factor of “mom guilt” makes the situation even worse. Investing in self-care can save you from anxiety and depression. Prioritize carving out personal time amidst caregiving duties and career responsibilities. Following a hobby and adopting relaxation activities can help.

Do not hesitate to seek support from your partner, friends, and family members. You may also consider mental health support through therapy or counseling. Other strategies that help are exercise, mindfulness practices, and maintaining social connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps after bringing my premature baby home?

After bringing your baby home, you must have all the necessary supplies ready. Also, follow any feeding plans provided by your healthcare team. Be extra cautious while choosing a formula if you opt for formula feeding. Monitor your baby’s health closely and schedule follow-up appointments with pediatricians.

How can I bond with my premature baby?

Bonding techniques include skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care). You can also try gentle touch, talking or singing to your baby, and spending quality time together during feedings. Working moms should set aside baby time every day according to their schedules. 

What resources are available for support for working moms with preemies?

If you are a working mom struggling with caring for a premature infant, look for support from family and friends. There are various resources available, such as local support groups, online forums, and educational materials from healthcare providers. With time, you will learn the art of caring for premature infants.

Raising a preemie is inherently challenging, but being a working woman compounds the complexity of the situation. You may constantly worry about your baby and your career. You can get the best of both worlds by following this guide. Stay strong, seek support, and give your best to motherhood and your career.