Late Pre-Term Infant Checks/feeding

Question 1

what is the best way to keep a preterm baby warm

Answer 1

with skin-to-skin contact

Question 2

what is one of the tools that can be used if skin-to-skin contact isn’t enough to keep a preterm baby warm

Answer 2

a heated mattress, until baby’s temp. is stable

Question 3

give some examples of what can improve a preterm baby’s feeding behaviour

Answer 3

keeping them warm, skin-to-skin contact and keeping their blood sugars level

Question 4

how often should late preterm babies be fed

Answer 4

every 3 hours, feeding between 8-10 times in 24 hour period

Question 5

what is classed as a late preterm baby

Answer 5

born between 34 and 37 weeks

Question 6

briefly describe what jaundice is

Answer 6

yellowing of skin and whites of eyes, due to increased bilirubin in blood

Question 7

how is jaundice level assessed

Answer 7

blood test

Question 8

what treatment may be needed for jaundice

Answer 8

phototherapy

Question 9

what does phototherapy involve

Answer 9

a blue light exposed onto the babies skin

Question 10

how do you know when a baby is ready to go home

Answer 10

maintain temp. regulation without heating mattress or anything like that, are feeding well, if not jaundiced and if blood glucose stable