Being discharged without your baby may feel like the most devastating separation. Even if you knew you were likely to deliver prematurely, you probably didn't envision leaving the hospital with empty arms. Seeing other mothers being discharged with their healthy newborns presents an unbearable cruel contrast with your situation. To cope with being separated from your baby, try any of the following ideas that feel right to you:

While some risk factors for premature delivery are beyond our control, prenatal care and lifestyles changes can help some women lower their risk of having a premature delivery. Find out how you can give your little one the best chances of being full term.

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,

A baby is considered premature if born before the 37th week of pregnancy. A baby is considered at low birth weight if the infant weights less than 2,500 grams, or 5.5 pounds. Very low birth weight babies weigh 1,500 grams to about 3 pounds, sometimes less. What is interesting is how these children catch up with their peers later in life!

Stress during pregnancy can have some adverse consequences, including an increased risk of premature labor, premature birth and low birth-weight babies. What can make the difference is how early the stress is recognized and steps taken to offset the risks

According to the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the percentage of babies born prematurely1 has risen to nearly 12 percent, the highest level in two decades and a 27 percent increase since 1981. In 2001, more than 476,000 babies were born prematurely in the U.S.

Prematurity Statistics in the United States.