Introduction
Welcome to the Empowering NICU Parents’ Podcast!
Our podcast is dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering parents navigating the challenges of having a baby in the NICU.
As many of you likely know, November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the challenges and realities of premature birth—not just during the NICU stay but for years beyond. Did you know that worldwide 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely? It’s a staggering statistic, and for every one of those babies, there’s a family walking beside these infants navigating a journey that’s often unexpected and anything but ordinary.
In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the profound and lasting effects of prematurity—not just on the baby but on the entire family. When a baby is born prematurely, they face unique challenges, not only because their bodies are still developing but also due to the external environment of the NICU, which, while lifesaving, can be stressful and overstimulating.
These early experiences, both from their prematurity and their time in the NICU, can leave lasting marks. Physically, babies born prematurely are at risk for long-term health complications, while neurologically, the overstimulation and stress of the NICU environment can impact their brain development in ways that affect learning, behavior, and emotional regulation for years to come.
The emotional and mental impact of a baby being born premature is profound for families. The trauma of a premature birth, the stress of the NICU environment, and the struggle to feel like a parent in a foreign environment can leave lasting emotional scars. For parents, anxiety, depression, and PTSD are common, often persisting well beyond the NICU stay and affecting family dynamics for years. Today, we’ll explore these impacts and how they shape the journey of both the baby and their family.
I chose to do this episode not only to deepen my own understanding of this important topic but also to share what I’ve learned with families who may have a premature infant, toddler, or even a middle schooler facing challenges along the way. I want to let you know that this episode was deeply personal and difficult for me to create for many reasons, and it may be hard for you to listen to as well. My intention is not to cause fear for NICU parents, but to empower you with knowledge so you can continue to be the strong advocate your child needs.
Whether you’re a NICU parent, a healthcare provider, or simply someone hoping to learn more, today’s episode is designed to shed light on these impacts and offer a sense of understanding, connection, and hope.
Navigating Life After the NICU: The Lasting Effects of Prematurity – Empowering NICU Parents Podcast
- Navigating Life After the NICU: The Lasting Effects of Prematurity
- Stronger Together: Nicole Nyberg on NICU Challenges and Family
- Cooper's Legacy: Supporting NICU Families Through the Cooper Steinhauser Foundation
- Cooper's NICU Journey: Honoring a Courageous Life Bolstered by Parental Strength
- Nurturing and Supporting Mental Health in NICU Parents
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Episode 64
*Trigger Warning*
Before we dive in, I want to offer a brief warning and disclaimer about the content of this episode. To be fully transparent, this topic is heavy, and preparing this episode has been one of the most emotionally challenging ones I’ve created for the podcast. Researching it was difficult, writing it down was even harder, and speaking about it will likely be the most challenging part of all.
As I worked on this episode, there were moments when I had to step away to process what I was reading and writing. I already knew some of this information, but to really read it and reflect on the reality that my son missed critical development during part of the second trimester and all of the third was overwhelming. If you’re a parent of a premature infant, this episode may also be hard for you to hear.
Coming to terms with your child being born early is incredibly difficult—not just immediately after their delivery, but throughout their time in the NICU and the subsequent years that follow. It becomes even harder when you reflect on the stressors they endured during their NICU stay. For my son , it was intubations, painful skin breakdown, PICC lines, heel sticks, IV starts, loud noises, bright lights, the painful separation from his parents, plus so much more! My son is now 10 years old, and like many of you, we still navigate daily challenges—though they likely look different for every child and family. Some of these challenges may be connected to his preterm birth or the stressors he faced in the NICU, although it’s not always clear or possible to know for certain.
And like so many of you, we live in a state of waiting, worrying, and watching, unsure of what the future holds, knowing he is at higher risk for complications we can’t yet predict. It’s a difficult reality, but my hope is that by sharing this episode, I can help bring clarity, support, and empowerment to families walking this journey. As I prepared for this episode, I have had to remind myself repeatedly that my son’s preterm birth and the consequences that continue to follow us daily, are not my fault and resist the pull of maternal guilt—a struggle I know many of us face. But I want to encourage you, as I’ve tried to do for myself, not to let that guilt take hold.
Preterm Birth
Worldwide, about 1 in 10 babies—that’s approximately 15 million infants every year—are born prematurely. Here in the United States, the rate is even higher, with nearly 10.5% of all births occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
What’s even more alarming is that these numbers have been steadily rising in recent years. Premature birth doesn’t discriminate; it affects families of every race, background, and socioeconomic status. However, we know that certain groups, such as African American women, experience significantly higher rates of preterm birth, which underscores the importance of addressing health disparities and providing equitable care.
A preterm birth can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, it’s due to complications like preeclampsia or maternal infection, but oftentimes, the cause is not clear, which leaves families feeling even more confused, unprepared, and quite frankly frustrated.
Despite the reason why, one thing remains consistent: the journey is hard. Whether a baby is born a few weeks early or extremely premature, families are thrust into a storm of emotions, unforeseen challenges, and profound changes that redefine their lives.
I truly feel that raising awareness of the prevalence and long-term effects of prematurity is essential to drive better care, advance research, and ensure families receive the support they need throughout this challenging journey.
Unfortunately, the journey of prematurity does not end when a baby leaves the NICU. The experience can have lasting effects, influencing the child’s health and development while profoundly shaping the lives of their parents.
Survival after preterm birth, the unseen challenges
Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant death and health complications. As technology continues to advance, infants as young as 22 weeks are surviving. While early outcomes may initially seem positive, the long-term effects and potential future complications often receive less attention and are not widely recognized, despite evidence showing they can be substantial.
As healthcare providers, we always celebrate the day a baby is discharged from the NICU and goes home with their family. It’s an incredible feeling to see a child who was once so critical leave the NICU surrounded by love and hope for their future. But most healthcare workers do not get to fully see what life looks like for these children and their families down the road.
Let me be clear: I would never question the value of saving an infant’s life—that would make me an utter hypocrite both personally and professionally. I know firsthand the dedication, effort, and lifesaving measures that went into saving my son’s life. I am profoundly grateful for my son’s life and feel beyond blessed to watch him grow and see every single thing he has accomplished in his 10 years. I am also deeply thankful for every single member of his NICU care team who had a positive impact on his journey.
With that being said, most members of the NICU team, myself included, do not always see the ongoing struggles or the unique challenges these infants may face as they grow into toddlers, school-aged children, teenagers, and adults. Even as a healthcare provider and a parent, I didn’t fully realize some of the common complications and challenges that are more prevalent in children born prematurely.
It’s humbling to admit that, and it’s why I feel it’s so important to have these conversations—not to cast blame or raise unnecessary alarm, but to create awareness, foster understanding, and help to support families.
The fact of the matter is that premature infants are often born before their major organs have fully developed. Additionally, after their birth, they face an altered and stressful postnatal environment, which disrupts normal organ development and metabolic programming, potentially increasing their risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Major and minor morbidities of preterm birth
While preterm birth is commonly linked to an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays, it also raises the likelihood of complications affecting multiple other organ systems.
For NICU parents, when your baby was in the NICU, you may have heard a neonatologist or provider mention the term ‘morbidities,’ which refers to the presence of a disease, medical condition, or the consequences of a condition. Often, these are discussed as ‘comorbidities,’ meaning the presence of two or more medical conditions or complications in a patient.
Comorbidities are typically categorized as either major or minor. A ‘major comorbidity’ refers to a serious condition that significantly impacts a child’s overall health and treatment plan, while a ‘minor comorbidity’ is less severe and has a smaller effect. Both terms describe co-occurring conditions but differ in how much they influence a child’s overall health.
For premature children, some of the more significant comorbidities—often referred to as major—include cerebral palsy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), blindness, hearing loss, significant cognitive delays, and even long-term psychiatric concerns. These are just a few examples, and understanding these terms can help parents better navigate the complexities of their child’s medical care.
Many people, including parents, may not realize some of the minor comorbidities that preterm infants can experience after leaving the NICU. These minor conditions can include mild respiratory issues such as wheezing or increased susceptibility to colds, as well as feeding and growth challenges like picky eating or a slow transition to solids.
Gastrointestinal issues are also common, such as mild gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Additionally, preemies may have sensory sensitivities, including hypersensitivity to light, sound, or touch due to early sensory overstimulation, as well as minor challenges with processing sensory input.
Behavioral and sleep issues can also arise, such as difficulty with self-soothing, regulating emotions, or staying asleep. There may also be delays in achieving motor milestones, including slight delays in crawling, walking, or fine motor skills, which are often addressed with early intervention.
Preemies may experience frequent mild illnesses, such as colds or ear infections, as their immune systems continue to strengthen. Lastly, mild vision and hearing issues can occur, like strabismus (crossed eyes) or mild hearing loss, which may not require extensive intervention.
Whew! And to think we label these complications as minor, yet they can have a major impact on children and their families.
Minor morbidity, major impact
I remember attending a conference when William was around 2 years old. During one session, someone mentioned that preterm infants often dislike having their toenails clipped because their feet are so sensitive from all the heel sticks they endured in the NICU. Hearing that hit me like a ton of bricks—I completely lost it and had to leave the room.
Up until that moment, I had no idea that this could be the reason why cutting my sons, William’s toenails was always such a struggle. It was a heartbreaking realization, connecting something so simple to such a painful part of his early life.
So, while I fully understand that these comorbidities are categorized as ‘minor,’ I also know firsthand how they can create significant challenges and emotional strain for families. Even these seemingly small things can have a profound impact on daily life.
This experience really opened my eyes to how even the smallest challenges can stem from a preterm birth, and it made me realize how interconnected these early experiences are with a child’s ongoing health. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the complications preterm infants are at an increased risk for, system by system, to better understand the full scope of their journey.
Respiratory
First, we will start with one of the most commonly affected systems, the pulmonary or respiratory system. The alveoli, or air sacs in the lungs begin to develop around the 23rd to 24th week of gestation and the growth continues into childhood. In premature infants, major lung development must continue outside the womb in an environment that can be both stressful and challenging. Care in the NICU provides life-sustaining interventions like mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy, which are essential for survival but can also impact the delicate process of lung growth and maturation. Balancing this necessary support while minimizing potential complications is a critical focus of NICU care, as these treatments can increase the risk of long-term respiratory issues, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and other chronic conditions.
Infants born prior to 24 weeks typically suffer from some degree of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, but the incidence significantly decreases to less than 40% in infants born after 28 weeks. For more information on bronchopulmonary dysplasia or BPD, go and listen to episode 36: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Infants: A Review of Predisposing Factors, Preventative Measures, and Treatments
Premature infants often have reduced alveolar volume, which can contribute to an accelerated decline in lung function as they age. They also face a significantly higher risk of respiratory challenges, with a fourfold increased incidence of asthma and a greater likelihood of developing wheezing disorders compared to their full-term peers. Late preterm infants are also at an elevated risk of respiratory challenges both in the NICU and later in life. They often experience lower respiratory compliance and reduced lung function, which can contribute to ongoing respiratory difficulties as they grow.
Kidney Disease
Adults born prematurely also face an increased risk of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease and hypertension. This heightened vulnerability stems from the fact that nephrogenesis, or kidney development, continues through the third trimester, with 60% of nephrons forming during this critical period. Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney, responsible for filtering waste and excess substances from the blood and producing urine in the process.
Unlike lung development, nephron formation does not continue after birth, meaning preterm infants are born with fewer nephrons. As a result, the nephrons they do have are forced to work harder to compensate, increasing the long-term strain on kidney function. Additionally, a reduced number of nephrons makes it more difficult for the kidneys to regulate fluid and salt levels, increasing the risk of developing hypertension, or high blood pressure, even during infancy. Over time, this early kidney damage can get worse, increasing their risk of high blood pressure and kidney disease as they grow older. The risk of chronic kidney disease increases as gestational age decreases, with infants born before 28 weeks facing a threefold higher risk compared to those born closer to term.
Cardiovascular Disease
Preterm birth has also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular or heart disorders. During the third trimester of pregnancy—a critical period that many premature infants miss—cardiomyocyte hyperplasia supports rapid heart growth. At birth, this process transitions from fetal hyperplasia to neonatal hyperplasia. The switch occurs too early which results in morphological and functional cardiac impairments and an increased risk of heart failure and ischemic heart disease. The heart of a preterm infant develops under different conditions in the neonatal period than it would have encountered in utero and experiences higher pressure and volume loads. Adults who were born premature have diminished cardiac reserve resulting in cardiac dysfunction. It has been shown that otherwise healthy adults born preterm demonstrate a blunted cardiac response to exercise which suggests early cardiac dysfunction.
A population-based cohort study revealed that adults aged 30 to 43 who were born preterm, before 37 weeks of gestation, have a 53% higher risk of developing ischemic heart disease compared to those born at term. Sadly, a 2017 study by Carr et al. also highlighted that children and young adults born preterm, particularly those born extremely prematurely, or less than 28 weeks, face a 17-fold increased risk of heart failure, and infants born at 28-31 weeks had a 3-fold increased risk compared to their term-born peers. While these statistics are hard to hear, they underscore the importance of understanding the cardiac risks associated with preterm birth to ensure proper monitoring and care.
Central Nervous System
Neurodevelopment refers to the process by which the brain and nervous system develop to support essential functions like thinking, reading, social skills, memory, attention, and language. This development begins in the first weeks after conception and continues through early adulthood—and even throughout a person’s lifetime.
Both genetics and environmental factors, as well as how they interact, play a key role in normal brain development. However, any disruption or adversity during this critical process can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders or challenges with cognitive, motor, or behavioral functions.
Like the other systems we’ve discussed, the brain undergoes rapid and critical development during the third trimester. During rapid brain development, the brain grows quickly and builds stronger connections. Nerve fibers grow to link different areas, and they get a protective coating to help signals travel faster. During this time, the brain undergoes significant growth, with gray matter, responsible for processing information, and white matter, which facilitates communication, continuing to develop.
Very preterm infants, born before 32 weeks of pregnancy, also have smaller brain areas like the hippocampus, which is important for memory, and the frontotemporal regions, which are involved in thinking and decision-making, compared to babies born full-term. In general, infants born premature have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental and behavioral disabilities in the first years of life and throughout childhood and adolescence when compared to children born at term.
Sadly, prematurity has been linked to several neurological conditions, with the risk of cognitive delays increasing as gestational age at birth decreases. Preterm birth survivors face a significantly higher likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders, often stemming from incomplete brain development. These conditions frequently manifest in childhood and can persist into adolescence or adulthood.
These can include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which affects social interaction and communication; mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which can emerge during childhood or adolescence; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterized by difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, cognitive delays, and sensory processing disorder. These conditions are believed to be linked to disruptions in brain growth and connectivity, particularly in regions responsible for regulating emotions, attention, and social behavior, which are still developing at the time of premature birth. While some of the outcomes can be identified in the first few years of life, neurobehavioral and emotional problems typically evolve later in the school years.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
One of the most common conditions that children born prematurely are at an increased risk of developing is autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in social communication and emotional interactions. In the United States, the overall prevalence of ASD is about 1.5%.
However, according to Ream and Lehwald (2018), infants born at 23–27 weeks’ gestation have a significantly higher risk, with the rate increasing to 7.1%. While studies differ in their findings, research generally shows that 21–41% of infants born before 28 weeks screen positive for autism spectrum disorder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity that significantly impact functioning in family, social, and academic settings. Children with ADHD are also at an increased risk for other mental health challenges, educational difficulties, and struggles with employment and relationships later in life.
Premature children are at a 1.2–1.5 times higher risk of developing ADHD, with this risk increasing to more than double for those born extremely preterm. Additionally, ADHD is 2–3 times more common in boys than in girls, although it is often underdiagnosed in girls, leading to potential delays in intervention and support.
Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is another challenge that many children born prematurely may face, affecting how they interact with and respond to the world around them. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) involves challenges in interpreting and using sensory information from the environment, which can affect behavioral regulation and motor skills. Children with SPD may show atypical behaviors, such as being overly sensitive (hyper-responsive) or under-responsive (hypo-responsive) to sensory stimuli. These behaviors can interfere with a child’s enjoyment of and active participation in everyday activities, potentially delaying developmental skill acquisition.
SPD doesn’t just affect the child—it impacts the entire family. Parents often face additional stress as they prepare and plan for activities to accommodate their child’s sensory needs, which can strain family dynamics and routines.
Research shows that sensory processing disorder affects 39–52% of infants born preterm, with evidence suggesting an even higher risk for those born before 32 weeks of gestation. These statistics underscore the importance of early recognition and support for both the child and their family.
Endocrine Disorders
Premature infants are at a higher risk of developing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as insulin resistance, later in life. Studies show that between the ages of 18 and 43, individuals born prematurely are 1.2 times more likely to develop Type 1 diabetes and 1.5 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes compared to those born full-term.
This increased risk is believed to stem from several factors, including abnormal fat storage, reduced beta cell development (which normally happens during the third trimester and helps the body produce insulin), and changes in the immune system’s T-cell response. These disruptions highlight the importance of long-term monitoring of metabolic health in those born preterm.
Additionally, preterm infants are at an increased risk of obesity. Babies born before the third trimester—when subcutaneous fat is rapidly deposited—tend to be leaner with lower fat stores. However, because premature infants are often placed on high-calorie diets to support catch-up growth and brain development, this can lead to an adiposity rebound effect. Studies have shown that when fat is deposited too quickly during the first year of life, it can predict a higher risk of obesity in adulthood.
The key alteration occurs in fat distribution, with more fat accumulating as visceral fat (stored around internal organs) rather than subcutaneous fat (stored under the skin). Visceral fat is particularly concerning because it is associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders, such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, later in life.
Metabolic and Bone Disorders
Children born preterm are also at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, insulin resistance as previously mentioned, and abnormal cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, they may have a higher likelihood of developing osteoporosis due to disrupted bone development during critical growth periods.
Negative Impact of the NICU Environment
Now that we have reviewed the system-specific conditions linked to prematurity, it’s important to consider how the NICU environment itself—while providing essential, life-saving care—can also have a profound impact on a preterm infant’s developing body and brain.
Preterm infants face a unique combination of challenges in the NICU, where life-saving treatments and essential care often come with unavoidable stress and pain. Interventions such as intubation, blood draws, IV placements, and other medical procedures are necessary to sustain their lives but can activate the infant’s stress response during critical stages of development. This, combined with the sensory-rich NICU environment—bright lights, loud noises, and disrupted sleep—places additional strain on their delicate systems.
While these treatments are essential for survival, repeated stress and pain can affect the developing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates stress and metabolism, as well as brain development. Research shows that high stress levels and invasive procedures are linked to reduced frontal and parietal brain volumes, as well as delays in white matter and subcortical gray matter maturation.
Over time, this may contribute to long-term complications such as altered brain connectivity, increased risks of metabolic syndrome, and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD or anxiety. Balancing the essential treatments with strategies to minimize stress and pain is crucial for supporting both the immediate and long-term health of these vulnerable infants.
The Emotional Toll of Preterm Birth and the NICU Journey on Parents
The emotional and mental impact of prematurity is profound for families as well. For parents, the trauma of a premature birth and the ongoing worry about their child’s health creates lasting emotional scars. The NICU experience itself intensifies this impact—the constant alarms, medical uncertainties, and the heartbreaking reality of seeing a tiny baby struggle in pain, fight for their life, and be surrounded by wires and monitors. Parents often grapple with feelings of helplessness, guilt, and even a sense of detachment, as tasks like holding, feeding, or even touching their baby may be limited or dictated by medical protocols, making it hard to feel like a ‘real’ parent. This can result in a lack of bonding and attachment during critical periods, further complicating the parent-child relationship.
This emotional toll frequently leads to anxiety, depression, and even PTSD—emotions that often persist long after discharge. If left unaddressed, these challenges can disrupt family dynamics, strain relationships, and hinder a parent’s ability to provide consistent emotional support and care for their child. A lack of bonding and attachment during the NICU stay can further impact the infant’s emotional and social development, affecting their long-term outcomes and shaping the family’s experiences for years to come.
Developmental Care and Neuroprotection
Now that we understand the increased risks premature infants face due to missed critical development and the stressful NICU environment, the focus turns to what can be done to mitigate these challenges and support both the infant and their family. Comprehensive family-centered care, combined with neurodevelopmental care and neuroprotection strategies, is essential to address these needs.
It is vital to actively engage parents as essential members of their baby’s care team. Ensuring they are included in decision-making and caregiving practices fosters confidence, reduces feelings of helplessness, and strengthens the parent-child bond. Addressing parental distress while promoting bonding practices, such as skin-to-skin contact and nurturing interactions, can alleviate emotional tolls and enhance attachment, which are vital for the infant’s neurodevelopment. By supporting parents emotionally and ensuring their active involvement, we can strengthen the parent-child bond and provide a solid foundation for the child’s growth and well-being.
At the same time, neuroprotection strategies aim to create a supportive and developmentally appropriate NICU environment. Minimizing painful procedures, reducing sensory stress from noise and bright lights, and ensuring adequate sleep all contribute to protecting the infant’s developing brain. These efforts, combined with family-centered care, help foster healthy growth, improve long-term outcomes, and ensure both the infant and their family are better supported through their NICU journey and beyond.
Family-Centered Care
While comprehensive family-centered care and neurodevelopmental strategies in the NICU are essential for mitigating the challenges of prematurity, the journey doesn’t end at discharge. Close follow-up care is critical to monitor the ongoing development and health of premature infants. Regular appointments with pediatricians, specialists, and developmental therapists allow for early detection of potential issues and timely interventions, which can significantly improve long-term outcomes. These follow-ups ensure that challenges such as growth delays, developmental milestones, and emerging conditions like sensory processing difficulties or metabolic concerns are addressed proactively.
Follow-Up and Advocacy
Closely monitor your infant’s growth and development as they continue to reach new milestones. If you have any concerns about their health, behavior, or development, don’t hesitate to speak up and advocate for them—whether it’s at the pediatrician’s office, with specialists, or within their school. Your commitment and advocacy as a parent can have a profound impact, ensuring they receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
Equally important is sharing your infant’s detailed medical history at every appointment. Because there is a greater risk of long-term repercussions, prematurity should be considered a chronic condition and a child’s gestational age at birth, along with the birth history should be included in medical records for patients of all ages. Premature infants have unique health needs and risks that may not be immediately obvious to new providers. Communicating key aspects of your child’s NICU journey—such as gestational age at birth, major complications, and any neurodevelopmental concerns—ensures that their care is tailored to their specific circumstances. Being an informed advocate for your child empowers healthcare providers to make decisions that best support their ongoing growth and development.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
Although your child’s birth history is unchangeable, many other factors influencing their future health can be modified. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good habits is essential. Children and adults born prematurely can benefit from cardiovascular exercise, strength training, avoiding tobacco, maintaining proper nutrition, and staying up-to-date with age-appropriate immunizations.
While there are currently no established guidelines for the care of adults born prematurely, some screening recommendations have been proposed. These include monitoring for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other long-term complications associated with prematurity. Proactive health education and lifestyle choices can make a significant difference in promoting long-term well-being.
Prematurity is a journey that doesn’t end at discharge—it continues throughout childhood and beyond. By staying informed, advocating for your child, and focusing on proactive care, you can help set the foundation for a healthier, brighter future.
Closing
Prematurity is a journey unlike any other—a path filled with challenges, resilience, and an unshakable love for your child. This episode has touched on many of the long-term impacts of premature birth, not only for the infants themselves but for the families who walk this journey alongside them. It’s a lot to take in, and at times, it may feel overwhelming. But understanding these risks, the importance of early interventions, and how to advocate for your child is vital for creating the best possible outcomes.
For families, knowing what to watch for, maintaining close follow-up care, and ensuring their child’s unique needs are communicated to healthcare providers can make a world of difference. For members of the NICU care team, understanding the lifelong effects of prematurity can inspire a deeper commitment to family-centered care and neuroprotection. And for extended family members and friends, offering ongoing support, empathy, and encouragement is invaluable as these families navigate a complex and often uncertain path.
Ultimately, raising awareness about prematurity and its long-term effects isn’t just about understanding the challenges—it’s about empowering parents, inspiring caregivers, and building a community of support for these incredible children and their families. Together, we can ensure that every preemie has the chance to thrive, and every family feels seen, heard, and supported along the way.
Thank you for joining me for this important conversation, and as always, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey!
And as always, please consider sharing this episode with someone who may gain some value from it! remember—together, we are stronger!
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