(MayoClinic.com) If your baby is born too early, the miracle of birth may be overshadowed by anxiety about your preemie's health and the possible long-term effects of prematurity. But there's much you can do to take care of your premature baby — and yourself — as you look toward the future.

Generally, the earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of complications.

At first, premature babies often need help breathing and maintaining body heat. Feeding your preemie may be a challenge. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), low blood sugar and lack of red blood cells to carry oxygen to the baby's tissues (anemia) are possible. More-serious concerns may include infection, episodes of stopped breathing (apnea) and bleeding into the brain, especially if your baby was born before 34 weeks. Some preemies have impaired hearing or vision. Others experience developmental delays or learning disabilities in childhood.

Your preemie's special needs call for special care, probably in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The medical professionals caring for your baby will do everything they can to help your baby thrive. Your role as a parent is essential, too.

• Learn as much as you can about your preemie's condition. Uncertainty can be frightening, as can the monitors, respirators and other types of equipment in the NICU. Write down your questions and seek answers when you're ready. The more you know, the better you'll be able to handle the situation.
• Share your observations and concerns. If you notice changes in your preemie's condition, tell the medical team right away.
• Establish your milk supply. Breast milk contains proteins that help fight infection and promote growth. Although your preemie may not be able to feed from your breast or a bottle at first, breast milk can be given in other ways — or frozen for later use. Begin pumping as soon after birth as possible. For the first few days, pump at least every two to three hours round-the-clock. Once your milk supply is established, pump at least eight times a day.
• Learn to feed, change and soothe your preemie. Speak to your baby in loving tones. When your baby is ready, cradle him or her in your arms. Hold your baby under your robe or shirt to allow skin-to-skin contact. Turn your baby's head to the side so that his or her ear is over your heart. If you're feeling unsure, count on the support of your baby's medical team.

You're concentrating on your baby now, but remember that you have special needs, too. Taking good care of yourself will help you take the best care of your preemie.

• Allow plenty of time to heal. You may need more time to recover from the rigors of childbirth than you imagined. Eat a healthy diet, and get as much rest as you can. When your health care provider gives you the OK, make time for exercise, too. Even brisk walks through the hospital hallways or courtyard may lift your spirits.
• Acknowledge your emotions. Expect to feel joy, excitement, sadness, anger and frustration — sometimes all on the same day. Remember that you and your partner or spouse may react to stress and anxiety differently, but you both want what's best for your baby. Support each other through respect, understanding and compromise.
• Expect to feel overwhelmed. You're under a tremendous amount of strain. You may celebrate successes one day, only to experience setbacks the next. Give yourself permission to take it one day at a time.
• Take a break when you need it. Your baby needs you, but it's important to balance time at the hospital with time for yourself and the rest of your family.
• Accept help from others. Allow friends and loved ones to care for any other children, prepare food, clean the house or run errands. Let them know what would be most helpful.
• Keep a journal. Record the details of your baby's progress, as well as your own thoughts and feelings. Include pictures of your baby.
• Seek support. Surround yourself with understanding friends and loved ones. Talk with other NICU parents. Consider joining a local support group for parents of preemies, or check out online communities. Seek professional help if you're feeling depressed or you're struggling to cope with your new responsibilities.

When it's time to bring your baby home, you may feel relieved, excited — and anxious. After days, weeks or months in the hospital, it may be daunting to leave the on-site support of your baby's medical team behind.

Before you leave the hospital, consider taking a course in infant CPR. Make sure you're comfortable caring for your baby, especially if you'll need to use special monitors at home or give your baby supplemental oxygen or other treatments. Ask as many questions as you need to. Nothing is silly or unimportant when it comes to caring for your baby. Schedule follow-up visits with your baby's doctor, and find out who to call if you have questions or concerns in the meantime.

You'll always remember your baby's time in the hospital. Now cherish the opportunity to begin making memories at home.

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