Premature Babies: What Every Parent Needs to Know

What does it really mean to have a premature baby? What challenges do these little fighters face and how can parents navigate this unexpected journey? This week on the pod we are talking about premature babies.   November 17 is World Prematurity Day, and we welcome back our Peadiatrician Dr Lexi Frydenberg to share insights into what to expect if you have a premature baby. Christy Hopwood co-host shares a parent’s perspective on what it was like having a premature baby. Dr Lexi is an experienced General Paediatrician specialising in the care of children (and their families) from birth to eighteen who experience a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions (or clinical conditions). She is also a passionate educator and mother of 3.We discuss:  The different levels of prematurity and what the premature classification means The most common reasons a baby may be born prematureHow common it is for a baby to be born prematurelyWhat percentage of women give birth to a premature baby What happens to a baby in hospital if the baby is born premature including NICU and special care nurseriesWhat medical conditions premature babies faceWhat it means for a baby’s organs and respiratory system if they are not fully developed when born prematureWhat a typical NICU journey looks like for a baby born at 22 weeks, 26 weeks, 32 weeks and 35 weeks prematureAre there long-term developmental challenges for premature babiesAre there long term cognitive challenges for premi babiesWhat the ‘corrected age’ of a premature baby means when it comes to tracking a baby's developmentHow paediatricians and health professionals monitor and support premature babies as they growWhere can parents can go for additional supportChristy explains what it was like having her first baby 'Hope' as a premature baby and shares words of wisdom from her experience.Never forget Parents You've Got This Parents You've Got This - The Expert Guide To Parenthood Podcast is proudly supported by Mustela natural origin skincare, by parents' side since 1950.Follow us Social :Instagram: @parentsyouvegotthis_auThreads @parentsyouvegotthis_auTikTok:@partentsyouvegotthis_auFacebook:@parentsyouvegotthis__________________________________Parents You've Got This offers antenatal and postnatal parenting education and Masterclasses from the planning phase to early preschool.Learn more: parentsyouvegotthis.com.au__________________________________Parents You've Got This offers antenatal and postnatal parenting education and Masterclasses from the planning phase to early preschool.Learn more: parentsyouvegotthis.com.auCredits: Producer Dean Thomas, Camera person Tim Hehir, Content and Hosts Parents You've Got ThisThank you Think HQ for the beautiful podcast recording space