There is no denying that one of the achievements of modern medical science is the ability to save babies born extremely prematurely. More and more of us will have had direct experience of this ourselves, in our families or among our friends, and we have all read the happy stories of ‘miracle babies’ surviving against all the odds.
The practice in neonatal intensive care units has also moved forward, from a focus merely on the medical needs of the child to one that includes the emotional needs of parents and babies. ‘Kangaroo care’, where the baby spends time carried next to the parents with skin-to-skin contact, is now commonly used because it helps to regulate the baby’s body temperature, as well as providing important attachment and bonding experiences.
Often, by the time the child reaches school their prematurity is no longer considered an issue, unless there is a physical disability or ongoing medical condition. So the findings of a recent research report may come as a shock to parents and practitioners.
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