Brave Beginnings: A Love Letter to Premature Babies and Their Parents

The nursery isn’t quite ready… The tiny socks, the muslin cloths, swaddle blankets, even that pram with more buttons and levers than a spaceship, all on your list of to-do’s, to research or to pick up in preparation for the arrival of this very special person(s). And sometimes, life sees you planning, and instead of a leisurely, somewhat ‘predictable’ arrival, with a big "I'm here!" your baby (or babies) made a surprise entrance, weeks ahead of schedule and full of determination. They didn’t wait for any estimations or ‘due dates’. They picked their own.

For the families who have experienced premature birth, you know there’s nothing quite like that first look, seeing your baby so small, sometimes no bigger than a bag of sugar, fighting harder than you thought possible - it can be a shock to the system and really big burst to the heart. And yet, amidst all those tubes, monitors, and miniature nappies, one thing becomes clear: preemies are tiny but fierce. And so are their parents!

The journey of a premature baby is by no means a small feat. The majority of them miss out on some last-minute developmental finishing touches that term babies get to savour. For instance:

• Breathing on Thin Air

  Full-term babies tend to waltz out with lungs primed and ready for a the race. But preemies? Their lungs may be more of a "work in progress," needing extra oxygen or even ventilators, as if they've stumbled into a high-altitude mountain climb unprepared. Truly. If there is some recognition that your baby will be on their way to see us prematurely - attending doctors and midwives will be like the volunteers at a marathon handing out water to participants; They will likely recommend that you are provided with medication that may help protect babies brains and another that will increase their chances of breathing far better at birth. And if that doesn’t quite keep them going, NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) staff are basically their mountain guides, helping them breathe and monitor improvements until they get the hang of it.

• Keeping It Toasty
  Term babies arrive with a full set of cozy fat stores to keep them warm—like showing up with a built-in sleeping bag. Premature babies, on the other hand, arrive a bit more minimalist. Without enough body fat, they often need incubators—tiny, high-tech "warming ovens"—to help regulate their body temperature. Though let’s not underestimate the role of your postpartum body in regulating your baby’s temperature as well! If we aren’t concerned with vitals, then it is paramount that your baby is given the amazing and natural support of a mother’s or birthing person’s love.

• The Digestive Shuffle
  A full-term baby's digestive system is ordinarily prepped and raring to go, ready to dive right into the milk game. Preemies, however, are still learning the ropes of digestion. They sometimes need IV (intravenous) nutrition or special feeding tubes until they’re ready to process milk like the pros. But guess what? Your breastmilk (colostrum) goes such a long way in supporting you and your baby’s connection, let alone nutrition. Hand express where possible to give some of the best gifts to your preemie warrior.

• Eye Spy with My Little Eye
  Eye development is one of the final flourishes that term babies enjoy. Premature babies often skip this last polish, meaning their eyes need extra attention once they’re on the outside. It’s like wearing new glasses for the first time: they might not have the clearest vision yet, but it’s coming along.

• Brain in Progress
  While a term baby’s brain is geared up to start learning (and causing mischief), premature babies' brains are still laying their foundational wiring. NICU time includes creating a low-stress, low-stimulus environment to help them keep building those connections on schedule.

• Hello Yellow!
  Premature babies are more likely to go "yellow" (a.k.a. jaundiced) because their livers are still a bit in "soft launch" mode. Instead of processing bilirubin like pros, their little livers let it pile up, giving them that sun-kissed glow—which I assure you is no vacation! Expect a sometimes repetitive discussion on blood tests in that first week. It can be daunting, but a necessary privilege for preemie babies finding it difficult to adapt.

The journey of a premature baby is measured not by ounces and pounds alone, but by courage. They fight with every fibre of their being. They grab onto your finger with surprising strength, teaching you the very meaning of resilience. They prove that being small doesn’t mean being weak. Every gram gained, every monitor beep that signals progress, is a victory worth celebrating – a marathon in millimetres.

For preemie parents, you quickly become warriors in your own right. You learn to decode medical jargon at 3 a.m., to juggle new routines, to become familiar with the beeping symphony of NICU monitors. You might celebrate milestones that, just months ago, seemed ordinary or even unremarkable. The first time your baby fits into preemie clothes, the first time you hold them without wires, their first full feed – these moments become treasured gems, each one proof of just how far your little one has come.

World Prematurity Day reminds us of the strength it takes to navigate this unexpected journey. For some, the early days and weeks in the NICU become months. Each day can feel like a year, but also, each day builds the legacy of love, patience, and pure resilience that defines your family’s story.

The truth is, preemies don’t just teach us about survival – they teach us about strength, love, and the miracles that come in the tiniest packages. They redefine our understanding of bravery, taking us along as they show us just how fierce a little fighter can be. And when that day finally comes – when you pack up the hospital bag (for real this time) and head home with your NICU graduate – the world outside has never felt brighter. The road may be long, but it’s one of pure love.

To every preemie, and every parent who has stood beside them: You are tiny, but mighty.

P.S.
Important statistics (found on the internet): In the UK, about 7-8% of babies are born prematurely, meaning they arrive before 37 weeks of gestation. This translates to roughly 60,000 premature births each year out of approximately 750,000 annual births. The percentage of premature births in the UK is in line with many other high-income countries, where preterm births generally range from 5% to 10%.

Premature birth rates can vary based on factors like maternal health, socioeconomic conditions, and access to antenatal care. What’s important to me here is that pregnancy, birth and postnatal care is made accessible to ALL. Book a chat if you simply need someone to listen to your story <3