The number of premature births in the United States has risen dramatically in recent years, with premature birth now designated the #1 obstetrics problem in the United States - affecting some 12 percent of all births. In the midst of these births-where a mother's arms and joy are replaced by incubators and cautious hope- are the parents, whose strength and emotional stability may understandably wane in the face of the challenges and fears created with the birth. It is about and for the benefit of these parents that this helpful book was written. Psychotherapist Lisa McDermott-Perez, joined in this work by several medical experts also offering insights, reveals the world of preemie parents and the emotional stresses they face before and after the birth. From feelings of guilt and anger over real and imagined mistakes, to depression, jealousy and fear, we learn how traumatic this time can be fbr mothers and fathers. This book takes us step-by-step to either recover as Preemie Parents or to help loved ones who are facing the situation. Appendices list resources and support networks, definitions of terms and equipment commonly used in neonatal medicine, and common medications and their potential side effects.

"I was an obstetrical nurse for 12 years and I learned more about newborn parenting from this book than any experience I had on the job. The author expertly interweaves use of psychotherapeutic techniques useful throughout life, not just in crises situations. This book is a must read for anyone involved in the care and nurturing of a preterm infant. I would also recommend this book as an optional text for any nursing student considering a career in neonatal nursing." -- Susan Hegarty, Nurse Educator, Professor Emeritus, Prairie State College

About the Author
Lisa McDermott-Perez is a Licensed Psychotherapist and certified Family Therapist, and also the mother of a child born prematurely.

Reviews
Preemie Parents: Recovering From Baby's Premature Birth is clearly written with parents in mind. McDermott-Perez....notes that there are many medical texts with helpful information about premature infants, but these books do not address the emotial issues that parents face. She presents useful factual information, offers advice, and brings in the perspectives of medical professionals and of other parents....Her approach is refreshingly direct....Family members, friends, and medical professionals all have an interest in furthering the psychological well-being of parents going through the often-challenging experience of parenting a premature infant. This book should help in that effort....It deserves a wide audience. * PsycCRITIQUES *
Psychotherapist McDermott-Perez describes steps parents can take at every stage of the preemie experience, including preparing for the possibility a birth will be pre-term, coping strategies for immediately after the birth, understanding the needs of the unfinished baby, dealing with the unexpected such as jealousy and going home alone, bonding, advocacy, taking the needs of others into consideration, self-empowerment, anxiety and the focus on the future, inspiration and hope, the role of the father, and what to do when all concerned are at the breaking point. * SciTech Book News *



Book Information
ISBN 9780275989064
Author Lisa McDermott-Perez
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Praeger Publishers Inc
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Weight(grams) 454g