When you are expecting a baby in your family the last thing you want to happen is to have your child born prematurely; yet, in America each and every day 1 out of every 8 babies born will be born prematurely. It isn’t always understood why babies are sometimes born prematurely. What we do know is that babies who are born prematurely are at a higher risk of birth defects and death. This is not acceptable. November 17th is the take a stand day; otherwise known as, Fight for Preemies Day.
Bloggers everywhere are taking up the battle cry and trying to create an awareness of the issue. For anyone who has loved someone who has had to face a premature birth…they understand the struggle. There is fear, danger, health issues…financial issues and there is bonding issues because of hospitalizations after a premature delivery. That is if you are lucky …and the baby survives the premature birth…many do not.
I had a nephew named Aaron who was born weighing in at one pound & four ounces during the eighties…he lived a very short time dying from complications from a premature birth. I know the trauma of premature birth. It leaves a whole in the lives of those it touches. Since that time, I have had a couple of grandchildren who were also born prematurely who have survived and thrived thanks to the medical advances that we have made in this country. We have learned alot since my nephew was born all of those years ago.
For many children who are born prematurely; they struggle with immediate and long term health issues. There can be breathing problems, internal organ damage, brain damage, learning disabilities…the list goes on. Each week of pregnancy is important…the baby is constantly developing and being born too soon puts that development at risk. In fact, the baby’s very life is at risk when born too soon.
Families expecting a picture perfect delivery are often under extreme stress. Often their dream of holding their infant and feeding their infant at home in a rocking chair with friends and family coming to visit is delayed because of the special needs of a premature birth. Holding their baby might involve reaching through the isolette with gloves on their hands while they wear hospital gowns and protective face masks. Feeding their child may involve a tube through the stomach.
Elimating as many threats to the health of children born early is important. The March of Dimes is doing their part to help families who struggle with issues resulting from premature births.
Please wont you help them raise money and awareness about the Fight For Preemies .
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Thank you so much for taking up the battle cry (I love that turn of phrase.) and supporting our Fight for Preemies event! The prematurity rate is growing in this country and we do not know why. Through engaging bloggers I hope to, at least, make a little noise, as they say.