Pregnancy is a time of anticipation, excitement, and preparation. Expecting parents often create a birth plan to outline their preferences for labor and delivery. However, while many of us spend hours preparing for a full-term birth experience, it’s also wise to consider creating a “Premature Birth Plan” as a complement to your regular birth plan. Premature birth is more common than many realize—around 10% of babies are born prematurely each year in the United States. This means that 1 in 10 families may find themselves welcoming their baby sooner than anticipated, often accompanied by unexpected challenges.
Creating a premature birth plan can be incredibly comforting. It offers a sense of control and readiness if your baby decides to make an early entrance, and it can ease some of the anxiety that often comes with the unknowns of childbirth. Here, we’ll explore what a premature birth plan entails, the benefits it offers, and how to incorporate essential details and preferences to support you and your family in a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) journey.
Why Create a Premature Birth Plan?
Most pregnancies progress smoothly to full term, but the reality is that premature birth can happen to anyone. Even low-risk mothers with healthy pregnancies sometimes deliver early. Knowing that you have a plan in place if this happens can help you approach your pregnancy with greater peace of mind, knowing that you’ve thought through and prepared for various scenarios.
For parents who may be at higher risk for premature birth, a premature birth plan can be especially valuable. Families dealing with risk factors—such as a history of premature birth, multiple pregnancies, certain chronic health conditions, or an indication from tests like the PreTRM test—may want to include specific elements in their birth plan in case of an early delivery.
What to Include in a Premature Birth Plan
A premature birth plan should cover both your preferences for a birth experience that may differ from your original birth plan, as well as practical arrangements for caring for your newborn in the NICU. Here are some key areas to consider:
1. NICU Preferences and Support
If your baby arrives early, they may need specialized care in the NICU. This can be an intense experience, as NICU stays can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months, depending on the baby’s health.
Consider including these preferences in your premature birth plan:
- Communication with NICU Staff: Specify how often you’d like updates on your baby’s condition and who should receive them. Designate a point person in your family who can keep others informed, freeing you to focus on the baby.
- Kangaroo Care (Skin-to-Skin Contact): Many NICUs encourage kangaroo care, which allows parents to hold their preemies skin-to-skin when possible. Include your desire to practice kangaroo care as frequently as the NICU staff allows.
- Breastfeeding and Milk Storage: Premature babies often face feeding challenges, so if breastfeeding is part of your plan, make it clear. Many NICUs have breast milk storage options for parents who are pumping, which can help with maintaining milk supply while ensuring your baby receives the benefits of breast milk.
- Routine Interventions: Premature babies often undergo a range of interventions, from blood tests to oxygen therapy. Include your preferences regarding routine procedures if you have any specific wishes, such as being present for certain procedures or being informed beforehand.
2. Family Roles and Support Systems
A premature birth can disrupt the entire family’s rhythm, impacting siblings, grandparents, and others close to you. Preparing a family support plan helps everyone understand their roles and ensures that the primary caregivers have the support they need.
- Primary Caregivers’ Roles: Clarify each caregiver’s responsibilities. If your partner will be in the NICU with you, who will care for older children or pets at home? Plan out shifts, especially if a longer NICU stay is expected, so everyone can balance the time spent at the hospital with the needs at home.
- Extended Family Communication: Some families prefer to have a point person communicate with extended family members. This can help reduce stress by limiting calls and texts directly to parents, allowing you to stay focused on your baby.
- Involvement of Older Siblings: If you have older children, consider how you’d like to include them in your premature birth plan. Include plans for managing their school schedules, explaining the NICU in an age-appropriate way, and setting expectations about visiting their new sibling.
3. Logistics and Practical Arrangements
A premature birth may mean spending extended time in the hospital or NICU. Include logistics in your birth plan to help you prepare for this unexpected shift.
- Packing Early: Pack a hospital bag in advance that includes not only essentials for labor but also items you might need for a longer stay. Include comfortable clothing, toiletries, a phone charger, snacks, and reading materials.
- Travel and Parking Arrangements: If the hospital is far from your home, make arrangements for convenient travel and, if possible, get a parking pass or discounted rate if you’ll be visiting the NICU frequently.
- Emergency Childcare and Pet Care: Have a list of caregivers you can call if you need childcare or pet care at a moment’s notice. Consider setting up a schedule with family members or trusted friends if you anticipate extended NICU visits.
4. Mental Health and Self-Care Strategies
Navigating a premature birth can be emotionally taxing. Acknowledge the need for self-care and mental health support in your birth plan to help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Therapeutic Support: Include plans for emotional support, whether from a therapist, a support group for NICU parents, or a close friend or family member. Emotional support can be invaluable during an unexpected NICU stay.
- Rest and Nutrition: Plan time for rest and healthy meals, which can be overlooked during high-stress situations. Self-care ensures that you’re physically and emotionally prepared to be present for your baby.
- Time Away: Spending all day, every day in the NICU can lead to burnout. Plan for time away to reset, whether it’s a short walk, a coffee break, or quiet time at home. This time can help you return to the NICU refreshed and ready to focus on your baby.
Why a Premature Birth Plan Brings Comfort
Preparing for the possibility of premature birth doesn’t mean you expect it to happen; it simply provides a safety net if things don’t go according to plan. Knowing you have a clear plan in place can relieve some of the stress and fear of the unknown, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy with greater peace of mind.
A premature birth plan empowers you and your family to be as ready as possible for the unexpected, knowing that you’ve thought through various scenarios and are equipped to handle them.
The Importance of Flexibility
One of the key aspects of any birth plan is flexibility. Premature births are unpredictable, and NICU protocols can vary widely. Be open to adjusting your plan to accommodate changes, as your baby’s needs will come first. It’s okay if not everything goes according to plan—having a framework in place will still guide you through the challenges and decisions you face.
How to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider About a Premature Birth Plan
Bring up the idea of a premature birth plan with your healthcare provider early in your pregnancy, especially if you’re at high risk for premature delivery. They can guide you on which aspects to consider, share insights on the NICU at your hospital, and offer advice on how to plan for the possibility.
The PreTRM test, for instance, can assess your risk of premature birth by analyzing specific biomarkers. If you’re considered at high risk, your provider may suggest additional monitoring or precautions. Including these recommendations in your plan allows for continuity of care and a proactive approach.
Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind and Preparation
While no one wants to think about their baby arriving prematurely, being prepared can bring a sense of comfort and control. Knowing that you have a premature birth plan in place, in addition to your regular birth plan, allows you to approach the possibility of early labor with confidence.
A premature birth plan offers an opportunity to plan for important aspects like NICU preferences, family roles, logistical arrangements, and self-care. Whether or not your baby arrives early, knowing you’ve prepared for this scenario can ease your mind, allowing you to focus on the journey of pregnancy and prepare joyfully for your baby’s arrival.
