10 Ways to Support A Premmie Mum

​Premature birth is almost always a surprise. When a baby arrives in the world too soon, the processes are different to a regular full term birth. This can make it hard for well meaning loved ones to know how to best support the new family; but these families need as much support as you can give them as they navigate their new reality.

I hope this guide gives you an idea of how you can best support a mother who has experienced premature birth. 

Gifts & Practical Ways to Support A Premature Baby

• Organize a meal roster or drop off home cooked meals (hospital food sucks!)
• Offer to babysit siblings (who are often not permitted in the NICU) 
• The following brands offer beautiful premature sized clothing & gifts:
  - Purebaby Premie 
  - Earlybirds Premature Baby Clothing 
  ​- Miracle Mumma Online Store 
• Instead of a teddy, consider giving the baby an 'Octoprem' for the incubator.
• A 'Lulla Doll' can keep bub close to mums heartbeat when she is away 
• A nice hand and foot print or casting kit can help her remember just how far her little one has come. 
• Premature baby milestone cards also make a thoughtful gift.
• The Zakky Hand is a practical and helpful gift.
• Mothers of premature infants often need to pump breast milk around the clock before their babies are strong enough to feed from the breast. A hands free pumping bra made this whole process so much easier for me.
• Bake & deliver lactation cookies to the NICU to boost her supply (you can leave them with reception to be passed on). Find a recipie here. 
• Let her talk. Her birth is likely to have been unexpected or traumatic and she may need you to hold space for her as she processes this.  
• Keep in touch. You may not be able to visit the baby, but preemie mum's still want to show their new arrival's off like all new Mum's! Ask for regular photos and weight/progress updates. 
• Sponsor a neonatal unit care package  in the new baby's name via Tiny Sparks.