Tiny Bones: Guarding Against Osteopenia in Preemie Skeletons

Bone health starts before birth! A baby’s bones start forming in the womb, relying on maternal nutrition and overall health for proper development. For preterm babies, this process is disrupted, increasing the risk of metabolic bone disease (MBD) or osteopenia. These are conditions that lead to weaker bones, a higher risk of fractures, and slower […]

Recognizing the Signs of Preterm Labor: When to Seek Help

Preterm labor is when regular contractions cause the cervix to open for birth too early—before 37 weeks of pregnancy.1 A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, so babies born early are called preemies. These bundles of joy may face health challenges and often need special care in the NICU. Understanding the signs of preterm labor […]

Tiny Tummies & Tricky Reflux: Understanding GERD in Preemies

What is GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when a baby’s stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food to the stomach.1 This is called reflux, and it’s normal for babies to have 2-3 episodes of reflux each hour.2 A little reflux is normal, but when it causes pain, feeding […]

Summer Care for Preterm Babies: Tips to Keep Your Little One Cool & Comfortable

Summer is expected to bring record-breaking heat, keeping your preterm baby cool and safe is more important than ever. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), due to the global temperature rising extreme heat events will become more frequent and severe.1 This will pose serious health risks—especially for vulnerable populations like your preterm infant! Preterm […]

Retinopathy of Prematurity: Protecting Your Preemie’s Vision

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is an eye condition that affects premature babies, especially those who are born before 30 weeks or whose birth weight was less than 3 pounds. ROP occurs when the blood vessels in the retina (the part of the eye that senses light) don’t develop properly. While mild cases can improve on […]

Developmental Milestones in Premature Babies

What is Adjusted Age? Premature babies are infants born before 37 weeks, which means they have less time to develop in the womb. To account for this, healthcare providers use “adjusted age” to assess a preemie’s growth and development.  Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from […]

Sickle Cell Disease & Preterm Birth: Understanding the Risks and Navigating a Healthy Pregnancy

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited condition that affects 8 million people worldwide, 1 particularly those of African, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and South Asian descent. For pregnant individuals with SCD, the journey to motherhood can be faced with unique challenges, including an increased risk of preterm birth. This blog explores the connection between sickle cell […]

Winter Care for Preterm Babies: Tips to Keep Your Little One Warm & Healthy

Preterm babies often struggle with regulating their body temperature. This is due to their underdeveloped bodies, having less body fat (essential for insulation & heat retention), and immature thermoregulatory systems that are not yet capable of maintaining a stable body temperature. It is essential in the winter to maintain your preemie’s body temperature. Here are […]

Advocating for Preemies: The Mission of the PreemieWorld Foundation

The PreemieWorld Foundation was founded on October 25, 2023, coincidentally sharing the birthdate of one of its co-founders, Deb Discenza! The foundation is dedicated to offering resources, education, and support to families with premature infants, with a particular focus on underserved communities.  Deb Discenza’s Background: Deb Discenza is an author and global advocate for preemie […]

Milk Osmolality: Importance and Implications for Preterm Infant Nutrition

Preterm infants often need fortified human milk to support their growth and development. However, fortification can significantly increase milk osmolality, which requires careful monitoring to ensure it remains within safe limits to prevent potential health risks. What is Milk Osmolality? Milk osmolality, the measure of solute concentration in human milk, plays a crucial role in […]

Understanding Anemia in Preterm Infants: Causes and Solutions

Anemia among premature infants is a common yet serious condition that could greatly affect the health of a baby. Incomplete development makes premature infants susceptible to various medical issues, one of which is anemia. What causes anemia in them, and how could new clinical technologies help in tackling it? Anemia is a health condition where […]

Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Premature Babies: Vital Nutrients for Early Development

Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in supporting premature babies during their early stages of life. In a previous blog, we discussed how the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) has updated the feeding guidelines for preterm infants to include fatty acids. In this blog, we delve deeper into the importance […]