The number of premature births has risen dramatically in recent years, with one in every 10 babies in the UK being born premature. In the midst of these births there are the parents, whose strength and emotional stability may understandably wane in the face of the challenges and fears created with the early birth. It is about and for the benefit of these parents that this book was written. In this book, psychotherapists and medical experts offer insights, revealing the world of 'preemie' parents and the emotional stresses they face before and after the birth. From feelings of guilt and anger over real and imagined mistakes, to depression, jealousy and fear, we learn how traumatic this time can be for mothers and fathers. This book takes us step-by-step to either recover as parents or to help loved ones who are facing this situation. Appendices list resources and support networks, definitions of terms and equipment commonly used in neonatal medicine, and common medications and their potential side effects. Among the topics addressed in this book are: therapeutic steps including self-talk, "reality rules" and touch therapy; recognising and coping with negative feelings; bonding; accepting that this baby is different; dealing with going home alone; being the baby's best advocate.