Premature baby? Six tips to help

UNDERSTANDING KEY FACTORS MAKES IT EASIER

» Also get support from other mothers, family members or experts if necessary.

The month of November deals with World Prematurity, a global movement to raise awareness of premature birth and its significant impact on families.

In South Africa, 84,000 preterm infants are born each year, and 10% are at an increased risk of complications, including respiratory issues and neurological disorders.

With this in mind, what are six things to know if your baby is born prematurely?

Get familiar with specialised neonatal care

In many cases, premature babies will need a period of time in a hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where they can get round-the-clock care from specialist neonatal paediatricians and nurses.

These facilities also provide specialised equipment and support that may be needed to help with their breathing, regulating their body temperature and feeding.

Getting quality premature care is critical for your baby's long-term health, so when choosing a hospital for your baby's birth, check its NICU facilities and whether it has experienced NICU nurses and specialists to handle premature births.

Check your medical aid coverage

It's important to understand your medical aid's coverage when it comes to premature births.