Forty weeks of pregnancy.
There’s time for everything: reading professional journals, picking out clothes, decorating the nursery, attending childbirth classes, a natural birth—or maybe a C-section. So many things to think about, but plenty of time, too. Suddenly, contractions; the doctors’ serious expressions; they say the baby needs to be saved. At thirty weeks—maybe a few weeks earlier, maybe a few weeks later—the baby is born: your baby. A preemie—and what next? Assisted breathing, tube feeding, monitoring the heartbeat—which could simply stop at any moment—and constant ultrasounds of the head to check for a hemorrhage. Fear, panic, uncertainty, anger, sadness, searching for someone to blame—because someone has to be responsible for this—unless, of course, it’s my fault. Yes, this is the daily reality of a parent of a premature baby. Despite it all, you get up, take the prepared formula to the ward refrigerator—maybe today your baby will manage to eat 5 ml—and set off on your daily trip to the ward. Maybe you don’t have time to dwell on things, but I think you often feel lonely. So imagine having someone by your side who understands and supports you. That’s exactly what family assistants or social workers are. They’re people who can help you in many situations related to parenting, especially when additional challenges arise, such as having a premature baby.
Why should you reach out?
- They’ll simply listen: Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to listen to your concerns and help you sort through your thoughts.
- They’ll offer guidance and advice: They have extensive knowledge about caring for children, especially premature babies. Plus, sometimes it’s worth listening to a specialist who views your situation from a more objective perspective.
- They’ll help you handle the paperwork: Registrations, applications, paperwork—all of this can be very exhausting and time-consuming, and you already have a lot on your plate. A professional will help you with this.
- They’ll connect you with other parents: You’re not alone in this—more and more premature babies are being born, and there may be people in your community who are facing similar challenges.
- They’ll teach you new things: Yes! It’s normal not to know everything. You can learn new skills that will help you care for your child.
