Early Beginnings : Development in Children Born Preterm

In the United States alone, more than 250,000 families each year have the experience of a premature birth. Today, though some six per cent of births are classified as preterm, the outlook for these children is better than ever before. And parents can do much to help. This book, written for the parents and families of premature chjildren, answers the questions they may have, and guides them in caring for their special child. Because of their fragility, premature babies have problems unique to their immature status. Parents are often unprepared for the birth of such a tiny infant, and need the support of both friends and professionals. Divided into brief chapters for easy reference, Early Begininnings covers the newborn period, complications that may arise during hospitalization, and what role parents must assume at this time; bringing the baby home, with special advice on how to care for the child and address potential problems; development in infancy; and preschool performance and what levels of success parents should expect in speech, cognitive skills, motor coordination, and social maturity. In addition, the book includes several case studies contributed by parents that share valuable, hands-on experience, and help families remember that they are not alone. The final chapter offers a brief introduction to some of the research that has been done in the field of preterm birth, and there is also a helpful reading list for those who wish to explore the subject further. Accessible and completely up-to-date, Early Beginnings is essential reading for parents of premature babies.MacArthur, Barton is the author of 'Early Beginnings : Development in Children Born Preterm', published 1993 under ISBN 9780195582499 and ISBN 0195582497.