Parenting a premature infant presents a unique set of challenges, which include selecting the right course of treatment from several confusing options, weighing potentially life-altering decisions with uncertain outcomes and struggling to create a strong bond with a hospitalized baby. Several studies suggest that parents display symptoms of PTSD after their premature babies are released from the hospital. Although there is no way to alleviate the parental stress involved with this experience, technology can help parents as they await the day they can bring their child home.
Dorothy Thompson, freelance writer, “preemie parent counselor” and mother of a premature infant (now thirty years old) reflects on her experience as a premature mother and how much things have changed.
“I had my son when I was six months pregnant, and at that time the outlook was not good at all. Medical intervention has come a long way, but I think the resources out there for parents has come just as far. There is so much information available that people don’t have to feel so alone”, Thompson said.
Premature infant shortly after birth
T. Leverett 2013
Much of the information available to parents of premature babies is found on websites and social media platforms, but the number of apps and other tech products geared toward preemie parents is growing.
Thomas suggests that parents take advantage of all the resources available to them especially when they are new to the neonatal intensive care experience.
“I tell parents to look at the apps, look online for information and always voice your questions and concerns to your child’s care team. They can use technology for two things, to become more informed about what is happening, but also to connect with people who have been where they are. That’s a very important step in this process.”
Some of the apps Thompson suggests to the parents she coaches are MyPreemie, NICU Words and NICU Knowledge Parent Educator. These apps provide information about terminology, medicines and treatments, feeding, growth and other aspects of the rigors of the NICU.
Some hospitals also offer the newly launched NICVIEW app, which allows parents to see their child on their smartphone. Although not available in all areas, Thompson believes this kind of technology can drastically reduce parent’s stress levels.
Premature infant in NICU
T. Leverett 2013
Thompson says, “This is the kind of thing that can help keep parents sane, and I wish there was something like this when I had my son. I think a huge part of the problem is the fact that parents can’t see their kids whenever they want to while they are in the hospital. With this app, they can feel much closer to their babies which at the end of the day helps both the baby and the parents”.