Premature infants are at higher risk of developing diabetes as adults

Posted by kim on April 20, 2011

According to a Swedish study published in Diabetes Care (a publication from the American Diabetes Association), babies born premature (before 37 weeks gestational age) have a slightly higher risk of developing diabetes at some point in their lifetime.

Preterm birth, including late preterm birth, is associated with a modestly increased risk of diabetes in young Swedish adults. These findings have important public health implications given the increasing number of preterm births and the large disease burden of diabetes, particularly when diagnosed in young adulthood.

Mind you, this study was done in Sweden, not the United States, so results may be different for American babies born prematurely. My guess is that the percentage may be even higher here in the states. Why? Because the we have a higher rate of premature births. And we also have a higher risk factors involved, such as obesity – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that two thirds of Americans are overweight.

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Five Gifts to Give Premature Babies

Posted by kim on November 1, 2010

What does one give as Gifts for a new baby born too soon? Since the situation of a premature infant is definitely different than that of a healthy newborn, normal Baby gifts per se (ie clothing, toys, bottles, etc.) are not recommended. Here’s five ideas on what to send or bring over to new parents of a premature baby.

1. Jewelry – a locket pendant necklace for the new mom to wear with a photo of her baby is a great remembrance. Engraving the locket with the baby’s initials is even more appreciated.

2. Flowers – send fresh flowers with an inspirational message saying you are thinking of them and praying for their baby.

3. Food – offer to bring over a home-cooked meal as parents get sick of hospital food and eating fast food on the run.

4. Stuffed Animals – be sure the stuffed animal is small enough (say 3″ – 4″ wide/high) to fit inside of the isolette with the baby. The parents will think of you when they see it and give them something to talk about to the baby.

5. Volunteer – offer to babysit other siblings at home or to run errands that parents can’t get done while they are away at the hospital. If the parent is a co-worker, offering to transfer some of your vacation hours over is a wonderful gesture.

Five Feeding Options for Preemies

Posted by Guest Contributor on October 29, 2010

Feeding can be an issue for any new mom. Should you breastfeed or use formula? What is the proper way to hold your newborn for feeding? How do you get a baby to latch on? What can you do about colic? Face it: there’s a definite learning curve when it comes to caring for an infant, even if you read every book on the market. And it can be especially difficult if your baby is born prematurely. Many preemies cannot feed normally and may have trouble swallowing and breathing at the same time (at least at first). Although your milk is the best thing for them, they may not be able to breastfeed. They could also need additional vitamins or other nutrients. Because of this, you may have to seek out alternative ways to get them the nutrition they need. Here are a few options.
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