Fight For Preemies

Last month I missed blogging on October 15th in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness. This month I certainly don't want to miss mentioning that today, November 17th, is in honor of Prematurity Awareness.

I doubt I will ever be able to see a premature baby on TV or read another parent's story about their premature infant without getting tears in my eyes. I'm not sure six months later I can even put into words what it was like to see her hooked up to all those tubes. And we were so, so blessed that she did so well and never needed breathing support, never had any major complications. I cannot fathom the strength it takes a mother who has to watch her baby go through such ups and downs as some preemies do, to drive back and forth to the hospital for weeks and weeks and weeks.

But thanks to research and organizations like the March of Dimes these babies actually have a chance. When Emmy had her PICC line put in, someone (one of my nurses? Dr. L? I can't remember) noted how amazing it is that they can put PICC lines in such tiny babies. How far medicine has come that babies born so tiny and so sick can thrive!

I am still a bit sad about what I missed out on not giving birth to a full term baby. I missed out on bonding with her right away, we missed out on getting to breastfeed right away, which has contributed to all the difficulties, I missed out on those last few weeks of pregnancy and anticipation and preparation. I spent the last the last few weeks of my pregnancy in fear and frustration. But in the end I have this tiny, perfect miracle who is, so far as we know, completely complication free. How utterly amazing.

Premature birth rates continue to rise and we need to keep searching for answers and preventions. Today is dedicated to raising awareness about premature birth. Thank you, March of Dimes, for all you do to raise awareness and continue the search for answers.