The Harvard Common Press

Every newborn is a delight, but premature babies present an unexpected challenge to their parents, who may be unsure how best to care for such a tiny, sensitive baby.  For the parents of the nearly 300,000 babies born prematurely each year, Susan L. Madden has written The Preemie Parents’ Companion, a warm and supportive handbook full of necessary information.  Madden explains where preemies stay in the hospital, who cares for them, and what complications they may face.  She helps parents move beyond the uncertainty to actively participate in their preemie’s hospital care, teaching them how to hold their preemie, read his body language, and communicate with his nurses.  Because a preemie’s special needs don’t end with a hospital discharge, Madden also helps parents confidently care for their preemie at home, and guides them through the first developmentally crucial years.