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Pediatric Home Care for Premature Babies: What Parents Need to Know
Posted by PHC | Uncategorized
The Mayo Clinic notes that a baby born prior to a gestational age of 37 weeks is classified as premature. Premature babies need additional support. The more a baby is premature, the greater the degree of support that is needed. Pediatric home care can help parents, especially those whose child was born very preterm (prior to 32 weeks). Here, our Pennsylvania pediatric home care professionals provide a guide to in-home care for parents with premature babies.
Why Home Care Can Be Critical After a NICU Discharge
Bringing your premature baby home from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a major milestone. Of course, it is also very stressful for parents. Premature babies who are discharged will almost always have continued (advanced) medical needs. The nature and scope of those needs will depend on their specific situation.
Pediatric home care helps by offering a smooth transition by providing skilled nursing support, therapy, and regular monitoring in your home. Your baby may require assistance with oxygen, feeding tubes, medications, or developmental milestones. Having experienced professionals at your side ensures that small concerns are addressed before they become major complications.
Pediatric Home Care Services for Premature Babies Vary Widely
What type of in-home pediatric care does your baby need? The answer will depend on a wide range of case-specific factors. Pediatric home health services should always be carefully tailored to meet the needs of the child and their parents. Some of the most notable services include:
- Skilled Nursing Care: For oxygen, tracheostomy, or medication management.
- Feeding Support: Assistance with G-tubes or bottle feeding difficulties.
- Physical Therapy: To promote mobility and muscle development.
- Occupational Therapy: To support sensory and motor skill growth.
- Respiratory Therapy: For breathing treatments and equipment care.
- Respite Care: To give overwhelmed parents a much needed break.
Reliable Support for Reaching Developmental Milestones
Premature babies may reach developmental milestones on a slightly adjusted timeline. Delays are common, but they can often catch all the way up. Pediatric care home health professionals understand how to support that journey. Among other things, Therapists and nurses monitor progress closely and provide exercises and activities that encourage age-appropriate growth. They guide parents on how to help with tummy time, feeding transitions, or sensory development. These early interventions can make a big difference.
Parents of Premature Babies Can Use Some Additional Hands-On, In-Home Support
Caring for a premature baby at home can be emotionally and physically demanding. That is true for any new infant, but it is especially the case with a premature baby. You do not have to take on the challenge alone. Home health care relieves some of that pressure by surrounding your family with a compassionate, knowledgeable team. You can ask questions, receive hands-on training, and build a daily care routine that works for your baby.
We Provide Home Health Care to Parents With Premature Babies in Pennsylvania
At Personal Health Care, our Pennsylvania pediatric home care professionals have the knowledge, skills, and expertise that parents with premature infants can rely on. Call us at (610) 933-6130 or connect with us online free in-home health care assessment. We provide pediatric home care to parents throughout all of Southeastern Pennsylvania.