The Preemie Parents' Companion: The Essential Guide to Caring for Your Premature Baby in the Hospital, at Home, and Through the First Years

by Susan L. Madden

The essential guide to caring for a preemie in the hospital, at home, and through the first years.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

416 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2000

Reviews

[Mugdha]

It's a bit outdated now, but otherwise there was a LOT of good, evidence-based information in this book. It was the only one I felt compelled to read cover to cover because of the anecdotes sprinkled throughout. I think it's still a good reference for a preemie parent who wants to learn about the breadth of possibilities for their child. Despite sometimes being difficult emotionally, I felt a bit attached to it by the time I was finished. I liked that it introduced Early Intervention and School-Based programs so I felt a little more like I knew the vocabulary and could be a good advocate once my daughter was home from the NICU and enrolling in EI.

[Chris Edwards]

it is very difficult to find a book on being a parent of a premature baby, and this is a very good one, even if it is now dated. I just wish I could find a British equivalent as a lot is not relevant to the NHS.

[Rosemary Bagley]

Not very in depth.

[Katie]

On the one hand, this book has some useful information in it. On the other hand, a lot of it is pretty outdated now, and neonatology is one field where things can change FAST so that is a big deal. On yet another hand, while it is very comprehensive about things that go wrong, I think it might dwell a little too much on complications and scary things. While the NICU experience is anything but fun, most babies DO eventually go home with their parents. And most of the time spent there is spent waiting, not in suspense, but in utter boredom and agony of separation. This book only made me more upset when I was upset, and when I wasn't upset, I didn't want anything to do with it. Maybe there's another, better preemie book out there but I am not motivated to find out!

[Cindy]

This book was a life saver! My baby girl was born early and I read this book through my pregnancy and it helped prepare me for what was to come. It has also helped me track her milestones according to her adjusted age, regular baby books do not offer that info. Definately recommend to all mothers.

[Monica]

Overall useful information but a little outdated

[Lina]

Helpful, useful...

[Coll]

Good for learning the basics and getting the lingo down.

[Sue Kozlowski]

Non-fiction. Very good. Very helpful with a preemie.