Hi,
I work as a volunteer at a children's hospital. While in the NICU a dad to premmie twins asked my advice re books on caring for premmies. I didn't know so suggested he ask the staff......then I thought of you guys!

I was hoping that I might be able to go back to the hospital with some suggested reading, contact numbers of support groups etc, maybe even some email address of people who are going through it - whatever would be great!

My little peak into the world of the babies born early forum showed me that there's a wealth of experience that just needs to be shared.

Thank you all so much.

Cheers
Chester

I found "Parenting Your Premature Baby and Child - The Emotional Journey" fantastic. It covers every aspect from having your baby in a NICU right through to the feelings involved in taking your baby home and even contemplating another pregnancy after a prem. The authors are Deborah L Davis and Mara Tesler Stein. I ordered it through the Austprem website (some of the money then goes to them) and it was delivered to my door within a few days. It was a great book to have at the hospital and as things would come up for me, I would read the relevant section. Definitely worth having

After our bub arrived early, DH went out and visited every library on the Gold Coast and borrowed every prem book he could find (men need something to DO don't they?) - I have to say they all seemed quite up to date. Maybe he could check it out in your area? That way he can pick and choose which to read.

Also, the Australian Breastfeeding Association has a booklet on Premature Babies and breastfeeding - only $5 and an easy and really helpful read. I've bought some to donate to my SCN. A call to their retail arm of Mothers Direct might also get him some helpful suggestions from the staff.

Feel free to make a sign and leave it in the feeding room of whichever hospital you are in and tell premmie Mums & Dads that they can personally contact myself via email on danimcmurdo@hotmail.com or direct them here to EB and tell them to go hunting in the discussion forums for the "Babies Born Early" section.....we're all lovely to newbies.

Chester which hospital are you at? FWIW I had 2 premmies, both due to pPROM (v. common) Second one delivered at 26 weeks weighing in at 830gm. She is now 2.5 years old and weighing over 14 kgs and has cruised through (well kinda, but you know what I mean ) her severe prematurity. Should any frazzled parents wish to 'have a chat' please just pass my contact details on (I'm metro Sydney based too FWIW) and I would more than happy to help them through such a difficult time, as would any number of the girls here I'm sure.


HTH!

hi

This may be of interest, it's a premmie support group that issues out quarterly publications on the development of premature babies and childrens. I am in SA and I have prescribed to it as it's based in Victoria.

Premmie Press Contact Details
Clinical and Health Phycholgy
Austin Health
Centaur Building
Heidelberg Redpatriation Hospital
Level 1, South Wing
300 Waterdale Rd
HEIDELBERG HEIGHTS, Victoria, Australia, 3081
Tel 9496 4496
Fax 9496 4148
E-mail " carol.newnham@austin.org.au



There is also

Austprem

Providing information, friendship, and support for Australian families and caregivers of premature babies and children.

http://www.austprem.org.au

Here's a fantastic website with all sorts of information about what is going on with the baby in hospital, information for parents etc.
http://www.meriter.com/living/preemie/index.htm

Ditto the others, new parents are very welcome to join here!!!

Thanks so much ladies for all your thoughtful replies. I will be putting all the great info together and making copies of it to hand out to all the parents that ask. I just don't want to be 'too helpful' of those that don't ask me. I can see these parents are going through a lot (as you'd all know) and probably don't need someone who hasn't gone through it offering too much advice. I will of course mention essential baby whenever there's an opening!

Thanks again so much. I'll aim to reply to you each individually just in case you don't all read this post again.

Cheers & happy parenting.