Books on Prematurity and the NICU

The NICU Rollercoaster
By Nicole E. Zimmerman and Edward J. Sprague

The NICU Rollercoaster is a true story about premature twins and the ups and downs of their time in the NICU. Containing personal blog posts and helpful information for parents coping with the issues of having a preemie. Boy twin Ronan battled brain bleeds, NEC, surgeries, breathing issues and other common medical problems preemies may have, as well as still needing a g-tube after coming home. His sister, Julie, did do a bit better, however she did need to stay on oxygen after going home.  Other topics covered include: kangaroo care, TIP feeding, nursing staff changes, brain bleeds, temperature control, medical overviews and tips on coping with these stressors are provided, as are a good set of references for you to further your education.  Purchase here

Newborn Intensive Care: What Every Parent Needs to Know

By Jeanette Zaichkin

This book is a great introduction to the world of preemies.  It deals with coping with premature birth of your child and/or children. It serves as a wonderful guide to the care given to your premature baby while in the NICU, and educates and supports preemie parents from entry to the world of the NICU straight to the transition home. This reference book is something you will turn to again and again, to understand different medical events and techniques that your preemie may encounter during their stay in the hospital.

Purchase here

Parenting Your Premature Baby and Child: The Emotional Journey
by Deborah L. Davis and Mara Tesler Stein.

The premature birth of your child tosses you and your family into a whirlwind of emotions, where it seems sometimes you will never touch down. This book will provide an emotional map per say for you from the first shock of the news you will be having a premature child and your first encounter seeing your new preemie. It goes on to discuss the journey of your time in the NICU and then on to your time at home. Topics include the emotional implications of early delivery, physical recovery, the NICU experience, settling in at home, development and growth, challenges, special needs, moving on, subsequent pregnancies and much more. The authors' descriptions and advice are backed by quotes from experienced parents and preemie support groups, which will surely touch your heart. Purchase here

Preemies : The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies
by Dana Wechsler Linden, Emma Trenti Paroli, Mia Wechsler Doron M.D.

This is in my opinion one of the most comprehensive books for parents of preemies currently available. It focus’s on preemies and their care, and will provide the answers to many of the questions you seek as the parent of a new preemie or a preemie toddler. Purchase here

Pediatric Massage: For the Child with Special Needs
by Kathy Fleming Drehobl, Mary Gengler Fuhr

Over-reaction to touch and other stimulus is a common problem for preemie babies, which may continue on into child and adulthood. This is a nice reference tool into understanding how to touch them, calm them and, overall help them if they are feeling stressed. Purchase here

Where's the Evidence? : Debates in Modern Medicine
By William A. Silverman

This is a collection of essays written by William A. Silverman, who is a pioneer in neonatology and is well regarded for conducting one of the most important randomized control trials in medicine. He has truly mastered the art of explaining the most complex and critical issues in medicine in terms that are understandable, and useful to parents going through the struggle of the NICU, which I found very helpful in that, there was so much going on, you try to understand it all but let’s face it you don’t always do. Purchase

Breast Feeding Your Premature Baby
by Gwen Gotsch

Mother's milk has been scientifically proven to help babies born premature in so many different ways. This book will walk you through those studies and explain how important it can be to try and breastfeed if only for a month. Purchase

By Preemie Prints Blog Post Contributor: Sarah Doyle