Helping with a premature baby

Small blessings

Love and support can get you through

Giving birth to a preterm baby can be an emotionally stressful and exhausting time for both parents. As a partner, you may feel helpless and that you should be strong, but both you and your partner will need comfort and support. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself and seek support if you need it.

Supporting your partner and new-born

Neonatal units are well equipped to care properly for your premature baby, but with all the staff and medical equipment they can be daunting places to be. Try to stay close to your baby, talking with your partner – if your baby is around 24 weeks old, they’ll recognise your voice from when they were inside the womb, and it will bring them comfort to hear you.

Your neonatal team will tell you how much physical contact you can have with your baby, but offering a reassuring touch every now and again is usually fine and will help let your baby know you’re there. Then, once your baby is strong enough, you’ll usually be able to get involved in their care – changing nappies, bathing, massaging and even feeding.

Preparing to go home

Having a premature baby can mean you spend a great deal of time in hospital, so getting back to the house to get chores done can be difficult. You may want to share the responsibility with your partner, so that when it comes to bringing your new baby home, the house is ready. It can sometimes help to take a break from hospital duties, clear your mind and concentrate on something different, but do make sure you’re asking for help from friends and family; you’ll need them at this time.

If your new baby has older brothers and sisters, you may want to introduce them and get them involved in tasks. It can be difficult for children if their parents are spending long periods in hospital, and it can help to make them aware of what’s going on.

Postnatal depression is more common in parents of premature babies.

Postnatal depression in partners

Postnatal depression (PND) isn’t something that only affects new mums – partners are susceptible too. It’s often more common in parents of premature babies because of the added stresses and strains. Unfortunately, PND can put added pressure on an already difficult situation, and it’s important that if you suspect either yourself or your partner to be suffering, you get advice from a healthcare professional.

It’s a good idea to be aware of the following symptoms:

Crying
Panic attacks
Being tired all the time
Inability to sleep
Loss of appetite or excessive appetite
Loss of self-esteem
Mood swings

Last reviewed: 19th May 2015

Your baby's future health begins here

At Aptaclub, we believe that experience helps to build resilience; and that each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.

Join Aptaclub

Bonding with your baby at 0-3 months

Building bonds with your baby will come naturally, so don’t feel daunted by the prospect, even if you’re not the one doing the feeding.

Changing and bathing

Get a checklist of all the baby essentials you'll need for a new arrival on the Aptaclub website. Learn to choose newborn clothes with practicality in mind.

Feeding choices

Use our baby feeding guide to find out how you can help your partner with whatever feeding option you choose. Learn all about baby feeding with Aptaclub.

Feeding premature babies

Breastfeeding gives your baby the best start in life, but why and what benefits does breastfeeding give to you and your baby?

Guide to baby nappies

From meconium and colour-changing poo to changing essentials, this guide gives you everything you need to know to tackle newborn nappies.

Getting to know your baby

Read our guide on getting to know your newborn in the first few hours and days, including bonding, feeding, appearance and first checks.

Postnatal depression

Your newborn's first adventures require careful planning. Learn about car safety, feeding in public and what to pack for stress-free trips.

Guide to washing a newborn

First baths can be surprisingly scary, but luckily, for the first week or so, you can stick to 'top and tailing' to keep your newborn clean.

Need some help?

You can get quick answers to common questions in our FAQs.

Alternatively, if you need help with general pregnancy or baby advice, or maybe on using or ordering our products - our expert team are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby.

Share this article