Caffeine Therapy for Preemies

Many people rely on a caffeine kick from their morning coffee to boost their critical thinking. But for premature infants, a dose of caffeine may help with more vital functions, such as breathing. Premature babies commonly suffer from 'Apnea of Prematurity' - as their lungs have not developed completely and their nervous systems are immature, babies literally forget to breathe.

Last night while I was there, Serena had an apnea incident where she had to be mildly stimulated, so they started her on caffeine today. Experts are not sure exactly how caffeine helps infants breathe better, but they do know that the stimulant activates a respiratory control centre at the base of the brain, which in turn communicates with the diaphragm.

She'll stay five more days and send her home on a monitor.