Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies [Paperback]

Dana Wechsler Linden (Author), Emma Trenti Paroli (Author), Mia Wechsler Doron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2000

"Preemies" is the only resource of its kind -- a comprehensive "Dr. Spock"-like reference that is both reassuring and realistic, delivering up-to-the-minute information on medical care in a warm, caring, and engaging voice. Authors Dana Wechsler Linden and Emma Trenti Paroli are parents who have "been there." Together with neonatologist Mia Wechsler Doron, they answer the dozens of questions that parents will have at every stage -- from high-risk pregnancy through preemie's hospitalization, to homecoming and the preschool years -- imparting a vast, detailed store of knowledge in clear language that all readers can understand. "Preemies" covers topics related to premature birth, including: What are your risk factors for having a premature baby? Can you do something to delay early labor? What do doctors know about you baby's outlook during her first minutes and days of life? How will your preemie's progress be monitored? Can you breastfeed your preemie? How do you cope with a long hospitalization? What should you know if your baby needs surgery? Are there special preparations for you baby's homecoming? What kind of stimulation during the first year gives your baby the best chance? Will your preemie grow up healthy? Normal?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Linden and Paroli, mothers who met in the hospital when their preemies were born, and neonatologist Doron present a comprehensive guidebook for parents whose babies are born prematurely. One out of 10 babies in the U.S. is born early, but in half of these cases the mothers have no known risk of giving birth prematurely, so they can't prepare for the whirlwind of unexpected events and emotions they will experience in the neonatal unit. The authors fulfill the need for information with remarkable clarity, offering answers to a multitude of questions. Divided into four sections (Before Birth, In the Hospital, A Life Together and Other Considerations), the book covers risk factors, the first day, the first week, surgery, taking the baby home and many other topics. Each section contains personal observations from parents of preemies, insightful comments from "the doctor's perspective" and information on procedures, equipment, common problems and other issues. While medical information is presented in detail, the book maintains a personal, reassuring tone, explaining that, though their organs and body functions are immature, most preemies are basically healthy. Since parents can't always plan ahead for the possibility of a preemie, this book provides a valuable crash course and serves as a useful tool for communicating with medical staff. Includes a helpful resource guide and glossary. (Aug.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Although one out of ten children born in this country is born prematurely, until now there has never been an authoritative, practical, and encouraging reference tool for their parents. This book is just that, a work in the "Dr. Spock" genre that will prove to be a bible for parents of "preemies." Linden and Emma Paroli, who each have children born prematurely, have joined forces with Mia Weschler Doron, a physician whose specialty is neonatology, to produce the book they wish had been available to them when they needed it. The authors cover myriad issues, ranging from a discussion of risk factors for prematurity, through possible and probable problems in the newborn's life and early years, to long-term prognoses. They do this primarily in a question-and-answer format, with lots of accompanying information. Their book should handsomely meet the needs of families dealing with premature infants and in fact is certain to be a blessing to them. Enthusiastically recommended for all public library collections.DLinda M.G. Katz, Florence A. Moore Lib. of Medicine, MCP Hahnemann Univ., Philadelphia
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (August 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067103491X
• ISBN-13: 978-0671034917
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #479,090 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dana Wechsler Linden, a former senior editor at Forbes magazine and a graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Business School, gave birth to premature twins.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for parents of preemies, August 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies (Paperback)

What a great book! It has answered all the questions my husband and I have had about our premature baby. All the information is practical and straightforward without being negative or intimidating. The book is organized in chronological order, from before birth to bringing your baby home and beyond. It also includes useful resources for parents. We wish the book had been published when our preemie was born, but we're still finding it an invaluable resource today.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best of both worlds - Informative and caring!, May 24, 2002

By 

Sandrared (Sanford, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies (Paperback)

Even though I was an ICU nurse (adult) I was not prepared for the world I entered after my daughter was born at 26 weeks. When my daughter's medical conditions were explained to me the nurse in me wanted to know more so I searched the internet for help. Explanations were difficult to find and overly clinical or overly simplified. The mommy side needed reassurance and straight forward explanations. I purchased 2 books and found this one to be superior. The doctor's perspective and the parent's perspective are both given for each stage/situation as it arises. Up to date statistics and medical explanations are given with a clear, but caring demeanor. The question answer format was great! And major medical conditions are spotlighted which makes comprehending easy. I wish I had purchased this book sooner during the hospital stay. There is some information on the home stage, but not a lot. It may be better to puchase another book for that stage. I highly recommend this book and at $2200 a day the hospitals should be able to afford giving one to each preemie's parents in the NICU!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1st Time Mom of a 32wk Preemie, April 7, 2003

By 

Coreylyn (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies (Paperback)

I can't say enough about this book! What a help it has been for keeping my sanity and getting me through one of the most difficult times in my life. I was admitted to the hospital with premature labor at 20 weeks into my pregnancy. I stayed there for 3 months before delivering our son at the gestational age of 32 weeks, 4 days. Not knowing when I was actually going to deliver, this book explained everything one should expect at all stages of a pre-term delivery, beginning from 26 weeks through 34+ weeks. It covers reasons for premature labor and delivery, surgeries and drugs administered for premature labor, surviving bedrest/hospitalization, delivery, EVERYTHING to expect in a NICU, the differences between pre-term and full-term babies, bringing your preemie home, and their development during the chilhood years. Although I was not having twins, etc. myself, the book also includes a lot of great information on multiples. After reading and understanding the types of monitors and machinery my baby may have needed at each stage, I felt much better knowing WHY these things were attached to our son when he was born. My husband and I also took a tour of the NICU at our hospital (which I highly recommend!)so that it was much less of a shock when we found ourselves there after delivery. This book was right on the money, and we got to see everything they talked about hands-on. This is an excellent book to help anyone conquer the fears, worries and misconceptions of having a premature infant (and it also comes highly recommended from the nurses and neonatologists of our NICU as well!)