November is International Prematurity Awareness Month
Today I am welcoming Elizabeth who writes over at Frugal Mom Eh! She is sharing a heart touching story that is dear to her heart, a topic parents pray they will never have to experience.
Each year premature birth affects a large amount of women world-wide, this is why November was made International Prematurity Awareness Month. In North America there are many worthwhile causes that strive to raise prematurity awareness and aid those affected.
The NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) experience can be both physically and emotionally draining for parents. I know from personal experience after having given birth 11 weeks early. It is normal for parents of premature infants to feel mixtures of grief, loneliness, shock and hopelessness among other feelings. Almost a year later, just thinking back to the 54 days we spent in the NICU is still as upsetting as it was at the time.
The parents trials, however, is negligible compared to the tribulations faced by those tiniest of babies during the first minutes, hours, days and even months of their life. Serious medical conditions such as Bradycardia (A dangerous slowing of the heart rate) and Apnea (An abnormal pause in breathing) are the norm. Many preemies do not make it past their first few days due to bacterial infections, collapsed lungs from intubation, NEC (Necrotizing enterocolitis) and other so-called “normal” preemie issues.
Sitting outside an incubator and watching your baby sleep is a favourite pastime of parents wanting to be able to just do something for their child. While I was able to hold my daughter for a few amazing minutes right after her birth, other parents must wait days or even weeks before being allowed that first precious cuddle. Preemie parents typically spent 8 hours or more at the hospital just watching their babies and waiting for the change to help with the care.
While I was lucky enough to live close to the NICU other parents have long drives to make and others benefit from the Ronald McDonald house when they live too far away.
Care doesn’t end when you are finally home with your preemie either. Constant appointments are necessary to check that all is well and that development is on cue. This continues on until 24 months of age unless there are concerns. Development challenges, both physical and mental, may continue on late into childhood and beyond.
The Ronald McDonald House, Human Milk Banks, and Blood Banks are just some of the worthy causes supporting the needs of premature infants and their families. If you are interested in helping please consider volunteering or donations! Thank you!