Help for Parents of Preemies: Resource Guide

An estimated one out of ten babies in the U.S. is born premature. For their moms and dads, the first months can be filled with questions about the infant's health and development. We asked top neonatologists to recommend a few resources for parents of preemies.

• What to Do When Your Baby Is Premature (Three Rivers Press, 2000). Written by a neonatologist at Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, and a pediatric nurse, this reference guides you through tough medical decisions and more.
• Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies (Pocket Books, 2000). This book's question-and-answer format delivers tips on everything from intensive care to breast-feeding.

• For Parents of Preemies
  
  http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/childrenshosp/parents_of_preemies/
  Developed by staffers at the University of Wisconsin and the Center for Perinatal Care at Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisc., this site offers parents information on common problems and diseases of premature infants and addresses frequently asked questions from parents.
• Premature-Infant.com
  
  http://www.premature-infant.com/
  The founder of this site, Dianne Maroney, tells the story of her premature daughter, has a lot to say about the world of the neonatal intensive care unit, and offers links to other Web resources.
• Parents of Premature Babies, Inc
  
  http://www.preemie-l.org/
  This non-profit organization's website offers a good place for parents of preemies looking to connect with others who've been through the experience. Parents can sign up for email lists, discussion forums, and find mentors for one-on-one support.
• Emory University Department of Pediatrics
  
  The website offers information on developmental care and milestones for premature babies, as well as answers to common questions and a list of Web resources.
• The Resource Center of the March of Dimes.
  
  http://www.modimes.org
  For info and referrals, visit their website or call 888-663-4637.

01-01-2002