Blog for Preemies

We, like many of you, are big advocates for the March of Dimes and prevention of premature births. Before it actually happened to us, I thought that being born a few weeks (or more) early was "no big deal. That's what the NICU and doctors are for, right?" But until you actually experience the NICU and crying over the scariness of having a baby who's lungs don't function (amongst other things) or seeing the other babies who have it much worse than yours, you can never understand. It's true that medical advancements have increased the chances of saving the lives of many preemies, like our girls (Ashleigh in particular), but prematurity isn't something that should be taken lightly. Even though, on the surface, things my seem OK, you just never know what impairments each premature child might face in the future.
That is why I am posting the following article for you all to read so we can all be cognisant and aware of this prevalent #1 killer of newborns in the US.
Fight For Preemies
http://www.marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies
November 17, 2009
Objective:Every year, 20 million babies are born too soon, too small and very sick ― half a million of them in the United States. November 17 is when we fight.

Do you know a baby that was born too soon, too small, unable to suck, unable to breathe on his own?
Premature birth is a health crisis that jeopardizes the lives and health of nearly half-million babies each year. It is the #1 killer of newborns and can lead to lifelong disabilities.

Worse: the number has increased 31 percent since 1981. It can happen without warning and for no known reason. Until we have more answers, anyone’s baby, could be born too soon.

Medical advances give even the tiniest babies a chance of survival, yet for many babies premature birth is still a life or death condition. It’s the #1 cause of death during the first month of life. And babies who survive face serious health challenges and risk lifelong disabilities.

The rate of premature birth has never been higher. In half the cases, we simply don’t understand what went wrong. We need to fight for answers. And, ultimately, preventions.

November 17 is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of premature birth.

The March of Dimes invites bloggers like you to get involved.

• Learn about premature birth at marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies

• Put a badge on your blog during November, Prematurity Awareness Month®

• On November 17, blog for a baby you love and to help others

We need to fight - because babies shouldn't have to.

Comments

Brittany said…
I love this post! I agree! Your girls are still so cute and look like so much fun!
October 26, 2009 at 3:27 PM
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