Becky Haag doesn't remember much about the first three months following her preemie twins' homecoming. "It was such a whirlwind," says the mom from Horeb, Wis. "They both came home on oxygen. They never slept at the same time and never for longer than two hours. I had complete sleep deprivation."

Fortunately, Becky had plenty of practice caring for Caleb and Claudia (each weighed just a little over a pound at birth) during their 15 weeks in the hospital, and she could rely on her parenting skills -- even when half asleep. "We had such a long stay in the special care nursery, and they taught us everything. In some ways, it was easier than taking home a full-term baby you hardly know."

Learning to care for your preemie baby before you leave the hospital will certainly make homecoming a little less stressful; so will knowing what to expect that first year. Here are some answers to questions often asked by preemie parents soon after homecoming:

During Caleb and Claudia's first year at home, Becky visited doctors' offices once or twice a week, sometimes more, to check on the twins' health and development. "Although it's not a rule for every preemie, many are at higher risk for growth, nutrition and developmental problems, and they need close monitoring for at least the first year," says Judy C. Bernbaum, Md., director of neonatal follow-up program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Depending on your baby's medical needs, you may need to schedule follow-up appointments with an ophthalmologist (eyes), audiologist (ears), cardiologist (heart), neurologist (brain) and/or others. Your preterm baby should also qualify for an evaluation to determine if he or she is eligible for government-funded early intervention services (often called 0 to 3 programs). Consult your pediatrician, social worker, local Child Find office or your state's department of education. "To help children reach their highest potential, problems must be identified early," Dr. Bernbaum stresses.

Preterm infants are rehospitalized up to 50 percent more than full-term babies, most often because of a respiratory infection (both Claudia and Caleb were rehospitalized for a virus within a month after homecoming). "It's very important for parents to know the signs of respiratory distress and seek medical attention when needed," Dr. Bernbaum says. Signs of respiratory distress include: an increased rate of breathing; difficulty breathing; wheezing; retractions (chest or rib area "caves in" when breathing); a change in color from pink to gray, or a blue tone around the lips; inability to sleep and/or drink or eat.

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