Family response to the low birth weight infant.

Families of low birth weight (LBW) and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have a different experience during the first months of their infant's life than do families of normal weight term infants. Preterm infants are often more difficult to parent and have more health problems in the first year of life. Families have increased expenses but decreased employment opportunities. Nurses who understand the many changes that families of LBW infants may experience are better able to provide appropriate care.