They've got to get to know that baby before they go home. And the task of taking care of a preemie without the benefit of nurses and doctors begins. New babies are difficult, and preemies have an especially bad reputation in this regard. It can also be a lonely time. All the people that just played such an important role are no longer around.
Home is a strange and new environment.
The day we left the hospital there weren't many dry eyes. Since most premature babies come home around their due date, parents tend to assume they are bringing home the equivalent of a full-term baby. These babies are not usually as mature developmentally as a 40-week infant says Rachesky. So parents need to adjust their expectations. Usually when they get home from the nursery, all you are worried about is growing.