November is prematurity awareness month. How lucky we are to live in a world and a country where many babies born at 28 weeks and earlier can survive and thrive. How lucky we are to have an organization like the March of Dimes who has done so much in making this into a reality in the United States. Hopefully you'll never experience seeing your baby or a baby of a loved one in a NICU, but if you do, you'll rest easier knowing the amazing technology and supportive care that is available - in part because of the March of Dimes.
Though I was traumatized by the birth and NICU experience, I also felt like I should brush it off like it was no big deal. Yes, we did get off easy - it could have been much, much worse. But, also, it was a big deal. Even though we didn't need the extraordinary life saving measures that a lot of preemies need, without the pre-natal steroid shots that helped developed their lungs, the gavage feedings, the IVs, and the extra care, Kate and Maya may not have been toddling around the living room and making elephant sounds like they do today. It was a big deal to hold my 4lb baby (that was the lowest weight Kate got to) in my arms and watch her struggle to eat one or two cc's from a bottle before getting too weak to continue. Thanks to the amazing support we got from the doctors and nurses in the NICU, we now have two healthy, strong, and smart babies who love to eat, play and give kisses (and sometimes knock each other down and steal each other's toys, but that's another story).
Here are a few links to posts about preemies from some of my favorite bloggers:
A little pregnant - make sure to read some of the stories in the comments section.
Twinfatuation
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