[TinyTeddys]

Hi, just after your opinions. A friend has just had a bubba 10wks early as a result of placenta issues and bleeding. Bubba was never sick and is doing well. For the last 10wks we have all known the sex and I brought a few bits and pieces (clothes) to give as a gift.

Is it too soon to give then to her? I know their baby will be in hospital for a few weeks and I know it will be quite a while before I meet the baby. I just want to let her know I'm thinking of them.

[MrsNorthman]

No, not too soon

[Kay1]

I think its lovely. I know when a friend had her baby who was sick and needed surgery immediately at birth with uncertain prognosis I still wanted to give a gift asap. The arrival of a baby is a huge celebration - even if there are to be challenges along the way.

[TinyTeddys]

Thanks, off to find some wrapping paper

[Bluenomi]

I'd give them to her. It will be nice for her to see someone is excited and celebrating her baby's arrival

[scruff05]

Give her a gift and dont forget to say congratulations. Just as you would if her baby was born full term, people would always forget this with my premmie babies.

[ECsMum]

I would have liked some prem clothes when my daughter was in hospital - instead i had to go looking myself as everyone had given me new born sizes - not to sound ungrateful

[JuniperSun]

It's never too early to congratulate a parent on the birth of their child. Even if the baby is facing an uncertain future the parents need to know their baby is loved, welcomed and a part of many peoples lives.

Don't make it a one off gesture either - a phone call or text every so often to check in with your friend. It's a long and lonely road even if the baby is doing well.

[kelliev]

A relative of mine gave birth to her baby girl at 27 weeks. She was only a week or so old when I went in with a little pink premmie outfit to celebrate the now, a bigger outfit that she would be growing big and strong to fit into in the future and a laminated poem to put at her crib. I also took in a meal I had prepared for the parents and some nice relaxation candles for the mum. The mum cried she appreciated it all so much. While the birth of a premature baby is a stressful time it is also the brith of a new life, of someone's child and should be celebrated as such, not put off until you're sure they're going to make it. Get that wrapping paper out!

[jacqg]

Both my girls were prem and even though there was no complications or health issues, lots of people get scared that something is going to happen so they don't want to give a gift and congratulations in case the baby takes a turn for the worse and they don't want to be sympathetic and then the baby is fine. So rather than do the wrong thing, people do nothing. I found sitting in the SCN the most isolating time of my whole life. Even though we have lots of friends, we only had 2 visitors when DD1 was born and 1 when DD2 was born.

I'm sure your friend would really appreciate a gift and a quick visit. Even if you aren't able to go into the nursery to meet the new arrival, you could go for a walk with your friend and get a cup of bad coffee at the cafeteria. I'm sure she would love to talk about her baby's progress just like every new mum.