Having a preemie is a difficult journey, and unfortunately, most parents of preemies find out all too quickly how hard it is to find good quality information either online or in print. If you’ve got a preemie in your life, and you’re looking for resources to help you cope or advocate for your preemie, I’ve put together this list of must read books for preemie parents for you!

Preemie Baby Books / Journals

• My Early Arrival Baby Journal – This baby book by two NICU nurses is by far my favorite preemie baby book. It has adorable color illustrations, and contains places to record NICU milestones, doctor visits and monthly challenges and accomplishments. I have a copy for my own preemie, and I'd gladly purchase it again!
• Early Passage: A Journal for Parents of Premies – While I haven’t personally used this book by Priscilla Hernandez, it has received excellent reviews from other parents. This journal provides parents with a place to organize and let out all of the complicated and overwhelming feelings brought up by having a preemie baby. It highlights common experiences and provides information, along with plenty of journaling space.

General Preemie Parenting Books

• The Preemie Parents' Companion - This book by Susan Madden provides a comprehensive discussion of preemie parenting in the first days, through the first years. It is well written, fairly comprehensive and easy to understand. It's a recommended read if you're looking for a general resource on preemie parenting basics.

• The Premature Baby Book - While some say that The Premature Baby Book by Hellen Harrison, mother of an adult preemie with life long medical issues, is depressing and outdated, this book provides insite into many of the untold complications of premature birth. It may not be the latest book on preemie parenting, it does give more information than most books on many of the lifelong impacts extreme prematurity can have. While no two babies are alike, this book might be for you if you'd really like to know more about possible problems and complications your preemie could be facing.

Other Problems and Complications

• Colic Solved: The Essential Guide to Infant Reflux and the Care of Your Crying, Difficult-to- Soothe Baby – Colic Solved by Dr. Bryan Vartabedian is an excellent resource for parents of preemies who suffer with reflux, or who have been labeled as "colicky" by their pediatricians. This book explains the myths and facts surrounding refluc, colic and other things that can make for a fussy, difficult baby. It's an easy read, but still manages to be packed with excellent information and great examples.
• The Out-of-Sync Child - The Out of Sync Child, and it's companion, The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun are both excellent resources for parents of preemies who struggle with sensory issue. Both books, which are authored by Carol Stock Kranowitz, provide excellent resources, explanations and activities for children who suffer with sensory processing disorders, with alternatives for both hypo and hypersensitive children with a variety of difficulties.
• Hydrocephalus: A Guide for Patients, Families and Friends - This resource by Chuck Toporek and Kellie Robinson provides valuable information to families coping with a diagnosis of hydrocephalus. It covers a variety of topics, from choosing a neurosurgeon, all the way to longterm management and coping issues.
• Cerebral Palsy: A Complete Guide for Caregiving - This book on cerbral palsy is written by a team of experts associated with the Cerebral Palsy Program at the Alfred I. duPont Institute. It covers the complex and uncertain aspects of a cerbral palsy diagnosis, and provides a comprehensive guide for parents, family, caregivers and even young adults with cerebral palsy.

I hope you find these books helpful to your situation. If you have other books you think preemie parents should read, feel free to leave your recommendation in the comments!

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