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Preemies

In the NICU

By , About.com Guide

Congratulations on the birth of your baby! Having a premature baby in the NICU can feel like a roller coaster of highs and lows. Knowing what to expect and how to cope with all of the experiences you'll face can help alleviate some of your fears, leaving you free to focus on your baby.
  1. NICU Basics
  2. Health Issues
  3. Parenting in the NICU
  4. Coping in the NICU
  5. NICU Stories

NICU Basics

For most parents, the first meeting with a newborn preemie is also the first visit to a neonatal intensive care unit. The sights, sounds, and routines are all foreign! Here, I explain what parents will see in the NICU and who will be caring for the babies.

Health Issues

Premature babies are susceptible to unique health problems. Learn about the health challenges that preemies may face, what causes them, and how they're treated.

Parenting in the NICU

Parenting a premature baby in the NICU can be very different from what many parents expect. Although your baby may not be home with you, you are still very important in his or her growth and care. Learn how to be a great NICU parent.

Coping in the NICU

Coping with all of the events and emotions of NICU life can feel overwhelming. Your own feelings and emotions will probably run high, and your normal coping strategies can get overwhelmed. Focusing on being the best NICU parent you can be can help make the experience easier.

NICU Stories

Readers share the stories of their premature babies' births, NICU stays, and homecomings. We'd love to hear your story too!

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