Article By Dianne I. Maroney Giving birth to a premature infant can be a devastating life experience. Along with the joy and incredible love a parent feels, comes many overwhelming emotions such as fear, guilt, anger, and loneliness. Surviving and coping with these stressful emotions is critical to your emotional and physical health. Every parent copes differently with these stressful times. There are even unique differences in the way husbands and wives cope.
Men often take the idealistic approach, trying hard to see the positive in the situation.
Whatever your coping strategy may be, it's important to understand that you are grieving in your own special way, and that having a premature infant is an extremely traumatic life event that will create many levels of different emotions. If needed, don't hesitate to seek professional help. You are not a failure for seeking support, you are only helping yourself and your child. Dianne is a member of the Editorial Board for Clinician Support Technology. All reprints must receive permission from Clinician Support Technology.