For parents welcoming twins, triplets or more, the possibility of the babies arriving earlier is real.
Premature birth is more common in multiples than in single pregnancies, but it's important to remember that with proper medical care and support, premature babies can thrive.
According to the World Health Organization, preterm is defined as babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. There are sub-categories of preterm birth, based on gestational age:
Extremely preterm: Less than 28 weeks
Very preterm: 28 to 32 weeks
Moderate to late preterm: 32 to 37 weeks
Premature babies require specialised care in the hospital, often in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). In the NICU (NIK-yoo), a dedicated team of medical professionals ensure that premature babies receive constant monitoring, medications, and support to help them develop and grow. The length of a premature baby's stay in the hospital can vary depending on their health status and development, but you can play an active role in your baby's care by participating in daily routines, asking questions, and staying informed about your baby's progress.
Apart from the NICU, most hospitals in Singapore have a medical unit called a Special Care Nursery (SCN) that provides care for newborns who require more specialised attention than is available in a regular newborn nursery, but who do not require the same level of care as those in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Newborns in a Special Care Nursery may be premature, have low birth weight, or have other medical conditions that require monitoring and specialised care.
Here are a few tips for coping with the challenges of premature birth in multiples:
Seek out support:
Having a baby in the NICU can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or support groups such as Preemies & Parents, for help and encouragement. Find your village!
Educate yourself:
Learn as much as you can about premature birth and the care your babies will receive in the NICU. This can help you feel more confident and in control. A little research is helpful, but avoid overwhelming yourself. If you have any specific concerns, have a discussion with the healthcare team. Read also: Obstacles Faced by Small but Mighty Premature Babies in the NICU
Make it a little more like home:
Get clearance with the NICU first, but some items that parents bring are:
- Blankets for the baby
- Baby garments (when your baby is ready)
- Photographs of family or drawings from loved ones
- Small items such as stuffed toys or prayer cards, to be placed outside the bed
- Scent bonding items, such as The Zaky HUG, Bonding Hearts by Raph and Remy, or you could DIY something similar too
Take care of yourself:
Remember that you need to take care of yourself in order to be there for your precious newborns. It is common for parents with babies in the NICU in Singapore to travel to the hospital daily after delivery, and it can be a tiring routine postpartum. Try to eat well, get enough rest, and ask for help when you need it.
Celebrate milestones:
Even small achievements, like your baby gaining weight or coming off oxygen, are great reasons for celebration. Take time to acknowledge and enjoy these moments. You may also want to document them and share them with your children in future.
Lean on your partner:
Parenting is a team effort, what more preemie babies. The mental and physical load of having twins and triplets in the NICU can be intense and having a partner who can offer support and share the workload is essential. Staying close to your spouse and establishing a strong partnership will help you sail through the ups and downs of an NICU journey more easily.
"We dreaded every phone call from the hospital because it was not always good news. We had to constantly remind each other that everything would be ok."
–Azie, triplet mum, in Triplet Trials and Triumphs from Prematurity to Terrific Twos
Welcoming premature babies to this world can be a challenging and emotional experience, but with support and care, you will be able to navigate the journey. May this article be of benefit to you and your little warriors. All the best!
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Read also: Embracing Kangaroo Care for Premature Babies
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