Question
How should premature infants be cared for?
Answer
- Due to insufficient suckling power, patience is required when feeding: Generally, in the initial days after discharge, each feeding session may take 30 to 40 minutes.
- For the first two to three days after returning home, maintain the feeding amount from the hospital without any increase; gradually increase the amount as they adapt to the home environment, as changes in environment can have a significant impact on infants, especially on their gastrointestinal function.
- Feeding more often but in smaller quantities and intermittent feeding methods can reduce the occurrence of vomiting and respiratory compression.
- Premature infants can be fed formula milk to promote digestion and increase nutrient absorption.
- Premature infants are also very sensitive to temperature and environmental changes, so attention should be paid to maintaining body temperature and ensuring stable temperatures to prevent illness.
- Regular hospital follow-up checks and treatment: such as vision, hearing, jaundice, cardiovascular and respiratory function, gastrointestinal digestion, as well as receiving preventive vaccinations.
- Maintain close contact with a neonatologist for timely consultation.
- Be proficient in neonatal first aid techniques, such as dealing with vomiting, seizures, or when the skin turns blue, for emergencies.