Care OutLoud PODCAST 17 August 2025
Hidden Vulnerabilities and Human Resilience: A Conversation with Prof. Dieter Wolke
In this powerful episode of Care OutLoud, Mary sits down with , a pioneering developmental psychologist whose research has shaped our understanding of prematurity and its lifelong impact.
Professor Wolke reflects on his early work in the 1980s, when he challenged the medical community to consider the NICU environment not just as a site of survival, but as a place where sound, light, and human connection profoundly shape infants’ futures. From there, he shares insights drawn from decades of longitudinal studies—including the Bavarian Longitudinal Study, now following participants into their late 30s.
Together, Mary and Professor Wolke explore
The origins of developmental care in the NICU and why environment matters.
The concept of a “preterm phenotype”—hidden vulnerabilities that may not show up in standard follow-up, but shape social integration and well-being.
How parental trauma and overprotection can echo across a child’s life.
Why prematurity is not destiny—and how parenting, school support, and peer relationships can alter life trajectories.
The urgent need for extended follow-up, case management, and societal investment beyond NICU discharge.
This conversation is both grounding and inspiring—a reminder that small moments of care, advocacy, and support can change life courses.
Interesting Links:
- Barda et al (2025) The impact of socio-environmental factors on brain structure over the early life course of preterm-born individuals – A systematic review
- Stegmann-Woessner et al (2025) Forever premature: Adults born preterm and their life challenges
- Wolke et al (2019) The Life Course Consequences of Very Preterm Birth
Premmie Chats Podcast 9 August 2024
Hear about research into the long term development of extremely preterm infants
in a Neonatology Now Podcast.
Watch a video where Professor Dieter Wolke and Dr Britta Hüning discuss the need for European-wide reference standards in newborn care.
To celebrate World Prematurity Day on 17 November 2023, Dieter finds out from Natascha how premature birth affects the life of a young adult.
Watch the video (in German) here:
Long-term development in premature babies with Prof. Dr. Dieter Wolke – The NeoCast: Update Neonatology – Podcast (podigee.io)
Listen to the Podcast here https://der-neocast.podigee.io/23-langfristige_entwicklung
So you wanna talk to your childhood bully
Listen to Professor Dieter Wolke talk about childhood bullying on Bar Crawl Radio
https://shows.acast.com/bar-crawl-radio/episodes/so-you-wanna-talk-to-your-childhood-bully
Consequences of premature birth problems in the later life of premature babies
Listen to Professor Dieter Wolke discuss ‘Consequences of premature birth problems in the later life of premature babies’ (German only)
IQ – WISSENSCHAFT UND FORSCHUNG
Folgen der Frühgeburt: Probleme im späteren Leben von Frühchen
Je früher Kinder zur Welt kommen, desto ungewisser ihre Zukunft. Doch Frühgeburt beeinflusst nicht nur die körperliche Entwicklung, sondern auch die geistige und soziale – bis ins Erwachsenenalter. Autor: Sebastian Kirschner.
Leaving your baby to ‘cry it out’ has no adverse effects on child development
IS MODERN LIFE RUBBISH FOR THE KIDS OF TODAY?
Is the Facebook age causing our young people to be unhappy? If it is, what can we do to counter this? Or, should we count our blessings that today’s kids have phones that might be smarter than their parents? Listen to Professor Dieter Wolke talking about student wellbeing and modern life on University of Warwick Podcast