The table of contents below describes the book Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies by Dana Wechsler Linden, Emma Trenti Paroli and Mia Wechsler Doron, M.D. The book, published by Pocket Books (a division of  Simon & Schuster) is a reference guide for parents of premature babies.

The opinions expressed in Preemies are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the March of Dimes.

To order: The book costs $16.95 (item no. 09-1833-03).  Call the March of Dimes Fulfillment Center at (800) 367-6630. Outside of the U.S., call (770) 280-4115.

Part I: BEFORE BIRTH

1. In the Womb: Why Premature Birth Happens and What Can Be Done to Prevent It
   For parents trying to grasp the extent of their risk, and what they can do to minimize it. Also for parents looking back, trying to make sense of what happened.

Part II: IN THE HOSPITAL

2. Welcome to the World: Your Baby's Delivery
   Your baby's transition from the womb to the world. Preparing for, and understanding,  a premature birth.
3. The First Day
   Entering the foreign world of the neonatal intensive care unit. Why it's the best place for your baby to be. Read an excerpt, which describes the physical characteristics of a premature baby at various gestational ages.
4. The First Week
   A time of crucial test results and waiting. Understanding that things sometimes get worse before they get better.
5. Settling Down in the Hospital
   Making the NICU the best possible home-away-from-home for you and your baby.
6. If Your Baby Needs Surgery
   Guiding parents through an event that is usually scarier than it needs to be.

Part III: A LIFE TOGETHER

7. Finally Taking Your Baby Home
   Decisions and preparations for the moment you've been waiting for.
8. From Preemie to Preschool (and Beyond)
   A time to watch your baby's health and development—and gradually begin to relax and enjoy!
9. When Parents Have Something Special to Worry About
   Learning more about some possible consequences of prematurity.

Part IV: OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

10. Losing a Baby
    Helping you deal with a profound grief, and guiding you through the necessary arrangements.
11. I Was a Preemie Too
    Famous people who were born premature and thrived, even before the recent advances in neonatal medicine.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Conversion Charts       
Appendix 2: Growth Charts        
Appendix 3: A Schedule for Multiples      
Appendix 4: Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation—Birth to One Year   
Appendix 5: Resources for Parents of Premature Babies

GLOSSARY

Read an Excerpt