Born in week 25-27

Keep in mind that each baby develops differently. The level of development can vary depending on whether the baby was born during this period of pregnancy or if the baby was born earlier.

Development

The brain keeps developing and starts expanding so much that it begins to form folds, creating the peaks and troughs of the brain. These folds help the brain to operate more efficiently and is very important to learning and intelligence. The baby starts to recognise and respond to the smell of their parents during skin-to-skin contact. You can also see how the baby starts moving in response to noise. The baby can react to bitter tastes. Its eyes are still very sensitive and the eye reflex is immature. If light is screened or dimmed it may help the baby to open its eyes for short periods.

The skin of very premature babies has plenty of superficial nerve fibres. Therefore, the baby is very sensitive and seems to prefer calm, warm hands that are still and provide support for its body.

The baby's movement patterns are immature and can be described as sudden and jerky. You can see sweeping movements and stretches. The baby needs help to obtain a comfortable, foetal position with its hands close to its mouth.

It can be difficult to ascertain if the baby is awake or asleep as the baby switches between superficial sleep and a diffuse drowsy wakefulness. You will start to notice short periods when the baby is awake and maybe even opens its eyes. The baby has sufficient energy and strength to make small noises. The baby strives for calm and rest in order to to grow and develop.

Neonatal care

During the first weeks of life, the baby will need highly specialised intensive care in an incubator with warm air and a high level of humidity in order to maintain its body temperature. Normal body temperature is crucial for the baby's well-being, growth and development. As the brain is still immature, care is focused on maintaining a quiet, calm and dark environment. The baby is cared for in a sleeping pod, specially designed to provide support. To minimise any disruptions, care is meticulously planned.

As the lungs are immature, some form of respiratory support is required in order for the baby to breathe efficiently and deeply. Initially, many babies require a ventilator, but after a while many babies are able to breathe by themselves using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). The baby may have imbalances in the regulation of heart rate and breathing.

During the first week, a majority of all babies require repeated light therapy due to their immature liver.

The baby's nutrients are primarily supplied through IV nutrition. The baby can often be given a small amount of feed using a feeding tube that is inserted through its nose and which goes down to its stomach.

Due to its thin skin and immature immune system, there is an increased risk of infection.

What can I do, as a parent?

Spend as much time as possible with your baby and participate in its care so you have a chance to get to know one another. At that age, babies are very sensitive to all forms of sensory input. They interact very little with their surroundings, but are helped by a calm and harmonious environment, and by the fact that everything is done very slowly with several breaks, and preferably using one stimulus or sensory input at a time. You can therefore hold your baby with soft, warm and still hands, applying mild, gentle pressure. Help the baby to adopt and maintain a comfortable position with its arms and legs held in towards its body with its hands near its mouth or face. From its time in the womb, the baby is used to having a boundary around itself. Talk in a gentle tone of voice, the baby will recognise you. Holding a hand over its eyes to shade them may help the baby to look up. Let the baby have a piece of cloth with your smell on it close to its face.

As soon as your baby has stabilised it can come out of the incubator to be held skin to skin against your chest, as this has a range of positive effects on the baby's development and well-being. It may help the baby to stabilise its breathing, heart rate, body temperature and digestion. It also releases "feel-good" hormones in both you and your baby. The staff will help you put the baby in a good position so that you are able to enjoy some time together.

After giving birth, you can begin to stimulate your breasts to produce milk. The first energy-rich drops of breast milk (colostrum) can be given straight into the baby's mouth upon consultation with the staff. When the baby feels well and is awake it can be given small amounts of fresh milk. Offer your baby a dummy dipped in breast milk to suck on.

Learn the ward's hygiene procedures to help prevent infection. Avoid strong scents, such as perfume, and let the hand disinfectant dry properly before holding your baby.

We would like you to participate in the daily ward round and tell us about your baby, and plan its care together with the medical team.