Perinatal education for parents of high-risk infants.

This article presents research-based information about the teaching needs of parents of low-birth-weight, preterm infants. An overview is presented regarding who needs to be taught, at what times, and in what manner. The type of information that parents have stated they found important is reviewed, as are general categories of information that health care providers feel are important for families to know. Family teaching is a critical component of the care nurses give because it helps to ensure that families are able to care for their infants at home.