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 .

          There is a war going on in the United States, a Fight For Preemies.  Premature births are reaching a level called a health crisis.   Almost 13 million premature infants are born a year; 1/13 of them, or 1 million of them do not survive.   Out of the 12 million that do survive…many have serious health issues to deal with or overcome.   This situation is tragic; and the March of Dimes is doing something about it.   They are asking bloggers to get involved and create an awareness of the issue on November 17th, 2009.    Since November is Prematurity Awareness Month…I plan to do my part.   Can you please help to support the March of Dimes:  http://www.marchofdimes.com/.  Bloggers let your voice be heard on November 17th; readers please give to the March of Dimes.  To hear a great video click here: http://bit.ly/2MAQnl .  Thanks for listening!

        I think it is a powerful image.  To me it shows the human need to touch another; to give and receive comfort and strength from one human being to another.  It also shows the helplessness of the child in the womb.  It is so very dependent on those of us who are alive and grown.  It should be instinctual to protect the unborn; but, unfortunately there are many who believe in the right to chose to destroy a fetus (unborn child).   Why should one life be more valuable, or have the right to take the life of another simply because the unborn have no say in the matter?  God is the creator of life…only God should also be the one to decide who lives and who dies.

       This photograph was discussed in Congress when debates were taking place regarding partial birth abortions and the prospect of banning them.  That is the power of this image; the partial birth abortion ban was passed in 2000.   I wonder, how could anyone have an abortion after seeing that picture?  I feel for those who have had an abortion in the past and come to regret it.  I often think that women are not fully educated to all the damage that occur by choosing an abortion.  Many lives are destroyed after the fact by guilt, depression and sadness.  We need to support women of all ages who find themselves in the situation of an unplanned pregnancy.  I think the fragility and strength of  life, while a child is still in it’s mother’s womb, is amazing both for the mother and child.  What beauty the photographer, Michael Clancy, captured at that exact moment.

          With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend…i wondered, what this photograph says to you?  Life is precious…encourage those around you to respect it and to protect it!  If you have been blessed by being born healthy, or, you have conceived a child and value the gift of life…could you support the  March of Dimes?  http://www.marchforbabies.org/

        Whenever you speak to expentant parents and ask if they want a boy or a girl…more often than not, the answer that you get is that they dont care…all they want is a healthy baby!  Education is key, especially with young expectant mothers such as teen pregnancies.  Nutrition, regular OB check-ups and supportive agency involvements will help to ensure that expecting families can prepare for a safe and healthy delivery of their babies.

        Some people either can’t walk or dont wish to walk but are willing to sponsor someone else to do the walking.  I say, it doesn’t matter if you cant physically get out there to do the walking…it is all about supporting the March of Dimes and their goal to help babies be born healthy.  Look for a local event in your community that you can either put on your walking shoes or find someone to sponsor with your donations.    Can you help prevent birth defects?  Yes you can:   http://www.marchforbabies.org/   Gather your friends and relatives and organize some support for the work that the March of Dimes is doing to encourage healthy pregnancies and deliveries of healthy babies!

      The race had several partners; namely, Dr. Scholl’s for her, Nivea body lotion, Wheat Thins, Hint (a water company), Dashing Divas (a nail salon), George’s Shoe Repair, and of course, the March of Dimes.

       Kelly Ripa had been saying for months that she could so win this race; it was interesting to see her waiver this morning.  She expressed fear that she would break something…I think she was more concerned about breaking her ankle than she was about breaking the heel of her shoe!  I am sure that more than one foot doctor had concerns about this race being promoted.  As far as I know, there were no serious injuries.  The show had everyone sign a form releasing the show from any liability I am sure. 

        Regardless of the concerns for the racer’s well-being…the race was a success raising money for the March of Dimes which raises money to help prevent birth defects.  It is a very worthy cause.  You can donate to the March of Dimes by going to one of two websites:  http://www.marchofdimes.com/ or http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/special/highheel/index.html

       These numbers are horrible… even one baby is too many…but one out of 50?  A baby less than a week old is doing nothing beyond eating, sleeping, filling a diaper, and giving/receiving love.  Those beautiful little babies are so dependent on those around them to survive.  Imagine being abused from the very beginning of life; it is a cycle that will repeat itself over and over again if it isn’t stopped.

         Of course, i know in my logical mind about those who are so consumed with addictions and rebellion that they continue to use drugs and alcohol during pregnancy.  My heart is another matter.  I have children that were adopted who were victims of their parent’s drug and alcohol use while they were still forming in the womb.  It burdens those children everyday with learning disabilities, physical deformaties and or limitations, retardation, psychological well being, as well as having socially acceptable skills and life long medical problems.  Is it fair?  No!  Is it abuse?  Yes!   Read up here:  http://www.nofas.org/ or http://childwelfare.gov/.

         The news report went on to educate me further.  It seems that the neglect and abuse before the age of one includes things such as drug/alcohol use during pregnancy as well as after birth.  Trust me…i live with those results everyday.  My children were abused before birth and they struggle in ways most people don’t understand.  They are “special needs children” because of that abuse.  See this organization for information:  http://marchofdimes.com/.

           Then, the article informed me that those same babies that are abused/neglected, before the age of one, includes those situations where the mother did not receive proper, prenatal health care …or the mother did not follow up with doctor appointments and or normal health care during that first year.  Here is some helpful information:  http://kidshealth.org/ .

           Alot of those statistics, i am sure, are a direct result of the health care crisis in America.  Many people don’t have health care coverage.  Poverty is a huge player in this part of the scenerio.  I know money can prevent people from getting the check ups that they need.  To walk in the door at my doctor’s office it costs $84 per 15 minute visit.  Imagine a young mother (or father) having to take that infant in for care every other month or so plus the cost of immunizations.  Check with your local health departments for help with those costs.

           Some of the other statistics were infants under the age of one who did not have proper housing, food or clothing.  Again those numbers are influenced by the national economy.   Take a look at this:  http://feedthechildren.org. or http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/.

            My personal opinion is that a larger section of our population was left out of these statistics; those  little lives who are aborted each and every day.    Is not killing a young life just as abusive as  some of these other abuses/neglects?  The number of aborted babies, i would dare to say, would jump these numbers of abuse/neglect into the stratosphere.  Some would say that abortion is a personal/moral choice some say it is a political choice.   There are organizations that try to help, by offering alternatives to abortion, such as:   http://healthybeginnings.org/ or http://www.bethany.org .  Those who have been affected by abortion often need help healing from the trauma even years down the road.

        It is easier in our minds to dislike the person who physically/ verbally abuses, or neglects to feed or give emotional support to a young child; than it is to understand, that we all must play a part in changing things or we become a part of the problem.  Silence or inaction on these subjects is equal to condoning them.

           If you are able to support a young parent with physical or emotional help…do it.  If you are aware of drug/alcohol use in an expecting mother…educate her to the consequences,  seek medical intervention and/or report it if she refuses help.  If you see or suspect abuse report it; you might save a life.

             While i am trying to wrap my mind around these staggering numbers of affected people…i am also processing the idea of so many young lives being hurt just by being born.  What must we do?  We must make a positive impact on those around us.  We each have areas of influence where we can impact positive changes.  Take a look at this website for protecting children:  http://keepingkidssafetoday.com.

              We must take action.  We must continue to educate.  We must continue to stand between ignorance, addictions, abortion, poverty and plain old abuse and protect those who can’t protect themselves.  We must build up our programs of intervention with jobs, health care, anger management, parenting classes, drug and alcohol counseling, family planning/pregnancy counseling, mental health/counseling; and yes, when necessary even prosecution of those who would visit pain and neglect on our littlest and most helpless citizens.  After all, they can hardly do it themselves. 

         It states that people know drinking a large amount of alcohol often, during pregnancy, is known to cause health problems and learning disabilities for the child.  

        However, it also says that the review doesn’t clearly show that occasional, binge drinking while pregnant is problematic.  It says that more studies are needed!  Please!!!

      Later in the article, it says something to the effect that, until we have more scientific “proof”, women who occasionally binge drink while pregnant should not worry over much.  That is CRAZY TALK!   See this:  http://www.nofas.org/.

       I live with the proof of what FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS can do to a child.  I have adopted children who have been affected by binge drinking, while their birth mothers were pregnant.  It is not a small thing.

       Believe this, if you believe nothing else…it is damaging to the fetus in ways that are hard to comprehend.  They may have learning disabilities, they can have physical deformities, they may have diminished IQ’s, they may have interpersonal problems from a lack of understanding social cues.  

         This being said…they are still deserving of love and family support no matter what.  In fact, they  need extra- ordinary amounts of love and support and more importantly, you need lots of understanding and patience.  None of the problems they suffer from are their fault!  That is important to remember… as some of their behaviors are challenging to the extreme; and at times, it seems as though their behaviors are a deliberate attempt to push you to your limits.

          Those affected by FASD often experience legal troubles from not understanding boundaries.   They may also have health problems for life.   They may act inappropriate sexually, they may lie, manipulate, cheat, steal… all without understanding the consequences.   They  may have difficulties holding jobs later in life, they may abuse drugs and alcohol later in life to self-medicate; when their life feels out of control, and they don’t know what else to do to feel better. 

        They may have to take expensive (and dangerous) medications to help them get through a normal day.  They may have ADD/ADHD.  They may have explosive temper tantrums.   They may not be able to live on their own due to safety concerns; because, unfortunately, they have a hard time understanding cause and effect of dangerous choices. 

         Those affected by FASD may get depressed, suicidal, or instutionalized in a mental health clinic or become jailed/ or imprisoned.   When legal issues enter the picture, the damage can permanently limit any kind of an opportunity for living outside of the judicial/institutional system.  Special care must be taken when advocating for those with FASD, who find themselves in legal trouble.  Often the disorder is not understood…even by professionals.

         Those afflicted with FASD often lack the ability to understand their legal rights;  it could cost them their freedom, if they are not represented in a way that takes into consideration their lack of comprehension of cause and effect.  For those affected by legal issues it would be wise to do your research.  Here is a website that may be helpful:  http://depts.washington.edu/fadu.   

         There are actually still doctors (not informed or responsible ones)  in this day and age, who will  tell a pregnant women that an occasional drink is ok.  It is not ok, it is destructive; and, it is immoral to tell a woman differently.  Organizations such as the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are committed to educating the public about the damage involved.  There website is located at:  www.nofas.org/. 

         The thing is, that babies in the womb are affected differently by the mother’s alcohol use…and it depends on the amount of alcohol and other factors; not to mention what stage of the pregnancy she is in when she drinks it, as to, how it will impact the growth and well being of the baby. 

         Is any amount of damage ok?  I don’t think so.  It can’t be predicted which negative result you will get when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnant.  Any negative impact for the child is not worth the risk. 

         There is often shame involved for the birth mother once she understands the depth of the situation.  She may have fear of being judged, when seeking medical help for herself or  the child.  She needs help and understanding as well as support.  If alcoholism is a factor, then a local support group such as Alcoholics Annymous could be a wonderful support system for her.   

         Most importantly, there is a huge amount of ignorance to be overcome in order for us to prevent others from being born with these terrifying problems.  For more information on preventing alcohol related birth defects see : www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1170.asp.

         If we understand that permanent damage can be done…then, does it really matter how much damage, or what kind of damage?  It can NOT be undone.  The damage is for life. 

          A person reading this might say, oh, that doesn’t affect me; i didn’t, (or won’t), drink when i am pregnant.  Consider that you could be wrong; it affects all of us in many ways. 

          Our taxes pay for people to get treatments; or, for those who are past treatments to be incarcerated.  There are statistics regarding people in prison, who are affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), who were previously un-diagnosed.  It is really overwhelming, when it is understood how much FASD affects us all.

          Your son or daughter may end up in a relationship with someone who has been damaged by FASD.  It could be your grandchildren who become affected by the disorder.  It could be the person who assaults you on the street because they don’t understand right from wrong.  You see what i mean?  We are all affected by this crime against the unborn.

         The sad thing is that the child has to live with the results for life…they pay the price of the un-informed or the ill-informed regarding drinking while pregnant.  The child is punnished for the choices the parents have made.  It is so very unfair.  They are damaged and they often live their lives severely damaged.  My sons suffer; they often don’t fit in with their peers.  They suffer greatly…and it makes me think; “what kind of a life could they have had if not for this!”    FASD is damage that can be avoided.

         If you see a young pregnant woman drinking…don’t worry about being politically correct.   Do it with respect and love…but, tell her how dangerous it is for the infant.  She may just thank you later.   I know the child would thank you, if it could!!!

         Doctors, nurses , clergy, friends and family need to shout it out,  that no amount of alcohol is safe while pregnant; or while trying to become pregnant!   Here is another blog to check out for those affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders:  http://growingupspecial.com/ .