This is going to be an exciting time, but it's not quite what you expected is it?

Now get ready for a roller-coaster ride that seems to have larger peaks and valleys the smaller your baby is.

Your baby might experience breathing problems, feeding problems, jaundice and infections; you are going to experience frustration, fear, guilt and anxiety.

Most of the time your baby is going to do better than you do!

There are going to be stressful moments, but the dedicated and caring staff in the NICU is there to help, both your tiny baby and you.

You might want to keep a diary of your baby's progress while in the NICU, it often helps to put your anxious thoughts down on paper.

Plus, when you finally take your baby home you have a record of her progress.

• Extremely premature - born at 24 to 28 weeks.
• Very premature - born at 29 to 34 weeks
• Moderately premature - born at 35 to 37 weeks
• Full term - born at 38 to 41 weeks

How did I end up with this tiny baby?