Kim Kardashian Gives Birth to Premature Baby
On Saturday, June 15, reality TV star Kim Kardashian gave birth to her first baby with boyfriend Kanye West. Kim's sister Khloe tweeted yesterday that mom and baby are both healthy and resting, but there's speculation that the baby, a girl, might have been born about 5 weeks early. If that's true, then the newest member of the Kardashian family is considered a late preterm baby. Babies born at this gestational age usually have no long-term complications from their early birth, but can have trouble regulating their blood sugar, their breathing, and their temperature in the early days.
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Help! Our Preemie Won't Eat!
From a reader: "Recently we had twins. One of our princesses would eat 2-3 oz, but the other one would eat no more than one oz every 2-3 hrs... My wife gets stressed out & upset every feeding time when our little one doesn't finish. We are concerned if she looses weight or gets ill. We need help!"
Feeding preemies can be frustrating for parents. Even babies born only a few weeks early might not be strong enough to eat enough calories for good growth. Most preemies can't eat well until about 37-38 weeks gestational age, so patience is important. If your baby is older than that, especially if she's at home now, then talk to your pediatrician about her growth and how much she should be eating.
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Preemie Spotlight: Born 4 Months Early, Now 27 Years Old
Today's Preemie Spotlight highlights a woman who was born 4 months early, 27 years ago. Now a mom herself, this former micropreemie had some trouble in school and with her vision, but is otherwise very healthy.
We'd love to hear your preemie's story! You can send your story in via email to preemies@aboutguide.com, or post it here.
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Will I Have Another Preemie?
Having a premature baby can be a scary and overwhelming experience. If you've had a preemie and are thinking about having another baby, it's natural to worry about your chances of having another early birth. Learning your risk factors and what you can do to prevent another premature birth will help you to plan your family with confidence.
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When Should Preemies Meet Developmental Milestones?
Many parents of preemies watch their children anxiously during their first year, waiting for those first steps and first words. Although some preemies may be behind, most meet developmental milestones on time for their corrected ages. If your baby seems to be lagging behind his peers, ask your pediatrician if early intervention might be appropriate.
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Preemie Spotlight: Michael Ryan, Born at 26 Weeks
This week's Preemie Spotlight highlights Michael Ryan, a premature baby born at 26 weeks. Michael's mom, Bonnie, went into premature labor after being very sick herself and spending time in the adult ICU being treated for pneumonia. Michael has been through a lot in his short life, but his mom is looking forward to bringing him home soon.
We'd love to hear your preemie's story! You can send your story in via email to preemies@aboutguide.com, or post it here.
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Learning Disabilities in Children Born Prematurely
Trouble in school is one of the most common side effects of premature birth, from micropreemies weighing less than a pound to babies born just a few weeks early. Early diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities can help your child to overcome them and be successful in school.
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Breastfeeding Your Premature Baby
Providing breast milk is one of the most important things a mom can do for her premature baby, but breastfeeding a preemie isn't always easy. Many moms must begin by pumping milk until their babies are big and healthy enough to breastfeed, and then transition from combined breast and bottle feeding in the NICU to breastfeeding exclusively at home. Although it isn't always easy, it is absolutely possible as Jenny and Aura's story (pictured above still breastfeeding at 8 months and counting) shows.
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Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day! Whether your preemie is still in the NICU or has long been home, there's so much to celebrate on Mother's Day. Enjoy this day to focus on you and your contributions to your children's lives. Your job as a preemie mom may have been harder in many ways, but the rewards are that much sweeter.
Preemie Spotlight: Alesha, Born at 24 Weeks
For today's Preemie Spotlight I'd like to re-share one of my all time favorite About Preemies stories. Alesha was born at 24 weeks after her mom went into preterm labor. At 24 weeks, Alesha was a micropreemie with only a 50/50 chance of survival, and a high chance of having long term effects of prematurity if she did survive. But Alesha must not have known that the odds were against her. Not only did she survive, but at age 14 she was an honors student who played 4 instruments. What an inspiration!
We'd love to hear your preemie's story. You can send your story in via email to preemies@aboutguide.com, or post it here.
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