Premature Births: Resources, Support And Looking After Yourself

November 17th is World Prematurity Day, a time dedicated to raising awareness of premature birth and the devastating impact it can have on parents and families.

Globally, around 1 in 10 babies are born premature, meaning they arrive before 37 weeks of pregnancy or more than 3 weeks early.

When a baby comes early or has to spend an extended amount of time in the hospital, it can be a difficult, emotional, and potentially isolating time for parents. We’re sharing some resources and information that can help you through this journey, as well as some ways to care for yourself after having an early birth.

For more information on the signs of premature birth, who might be at risk, and why premature births actually decreased during the COVID pandemic, check out this post.

Charities and support groups for premature babies

There are lots of charities and organizations which can offer advice, information and connect you to support groups with other parents who have or have had premature babies.

This list is not exhaustive, but you can find additional information on more groups and organizations below. You should also ask your doctor, midwife, and/or neonatal staff for information on local or hospital-specific support groups as these are common.

In the UK:

Bliss is a charity dedicated to giving every baby born prematurely or sick in the UK the best chance of survival and quality of life. Their services include:

• Online resources on parents’ mental health, neonatal care, and much more

• One-on-one support for parents via email and video call

• Local support groups

Tiny Life is Northern Ireland’s premature baby charity and provides support services both whilst you are in a neonatal unit and once you are back home. Their services include:

• Local specialized support and baby groups

• One-to-one telephone support

• Breast pump loan service

Find more UK support here.

In the US:

Graham’s Foundation supports, comforts, informs, and guides families who experience premature birth. Their services include:

• Care packages

• Mentors and advice

• Online resources and an app specifically designed for parents of premature babies

Hand To Hold supports families in the NICU and for years to come after, most often providing resources to parents of premature babies or babies born with special needs. Their services include:

• Virtual support groups, counseling services, private Facebook groups, and peer mentors

• Sibling support

• Resources entirely in Spanish

Find more US support here.

Taking care of yourself when you have a premature baby

We know that after you give birth your focus and attention is solely on your little one and their needs, but we wanted to share a few important ways you can care for yourself in the weeks and months after having a premature baby.

Remember that as a mama, taking care of yourself will allow you to best support your little one.

1. Relieve feelings of anxiety by talking to your doctors

It’s natural to feel anxious and stressed after giving birth, and these feelings are often heightened if your baby needs special care or is in the hospital for an extended period. Tommy’s Baby Charity said that parents with premature babies often describe feeling anger, sadness, shock, confusion, guilt, helplessness, being out of control and not knowing how exactly they feel. You may have similar feelings, or you may feel completely differently, and that’s ok too.

Talking to your doctors and staff caring for you and your baby about what is happening can help relieve some feelings of anxiety. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, they are the experts and want to help you feel as at ease as possible.

You can also talk to your doctors about ways you can be involved in your baby’s care during their stay on the neonatal unit. Check out these suggestions from Bliss and talk to your doctor about what will work for your little one.

2. Try to sleep or relax whenever you can

We know it’s not easy to just go to sleep when you have so many worries and emotions, but a lack of sleep can leave you feeling more anxious and upset.

If you are struggling to get enough sleep, then try to take some time each day to relax and center yourself. Try our in-app breathing exercises, guided mindful meditation, and bedtime affirmations to find some peace, wind down, and take some time for yourself.

3. Get some fresh air and movement

Getting outside, getting some fresh air, and moving your body will not only help your circadian rhythm, hormone regulation, and sleep cycles — it can also provide a calming distraction. Getting some movement in can help you relax, clear your mind and sleep better at the end of the day.

In the weeks before you get exercise clearance, listen to your body and how it’s feeling; if you do feel able to get out for easy walks, do some gentle stretching, and do your daily Kegels, that’s a great place to start - you should not need clearance to do these things, but talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or had a difficult birth.

For more advice on exercising after giving birth, check out this article on 7 Things You Need To Know About Working Out Postpartum.

4. Spend time with your partner, friends, or family

Remember that you are not alone, and your social connections can serve as a powerful support system. Try to take time with your partner, a close friend, or a family member when you can. Trusted loved ones can provide a safe space to process your thoughts and emotions, and they want to support you at this time, they may just not know the best way to do that. Ask them for what you need and lean on each other.

Do you have something you want to know about premature birth or need more resources? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to get you the support you need.