Older Preemie
As a mother, it’s normal to wonder what your kids will be like as they grow-up and think about their future. When they are born extremely premature, it adds another layer of worry. I constantly look for stories about an older preemie to give myself reassurance that everything will be OK for them.
Obviously, no child’s future is guaranteed, premature or not. But, just as it brought me comfort to read stories of hope when it came to premature birth, it also gives me hope when I read about an older preemie. To see someone as a teen or an adult and read their success story is awesome.
I’m so excited to bring you a story of a teenager that was once a micro preemie. I’m also very excited that she is sharing her story as an older preemie herself.
With her mother’s permission, please meet Lindsey.
Lindsey
1. Tell us about yourself.
I am Lindsey.
I was born at 25 weeks, and I was in the NICU for 10.5 weeks, approximately 75 days. I only had a 5%chance of survival, but I am here.
2. How long was your NICU stay? What was the hardest part?
My NICU stay was 10.5 weeks.
I had hydrocephalus and a grade 4 brain bleed. I had to have a shunt placed, and a revision in the NICU. I also had a hernia surgery in the NICU.
The hardest part was my parents having to figure out a name, just in case I wouldn’t have lived. The doctors said they would call me baby (my last name), so my dad agreed on naming me Lindsey, and that’s my name to this day.
3.Do you know what caused your premature birth?
No, we don’t know what caused me to be a preemie. This was my mom’s first pregnancy.
My mom went on to have my sister, who was full-term.
4.How are you doing now?
I am a normal adult now. I’m 14 and 1/2 years old, and I’m a freshman in high school. School is good, and my grades are excellent.
5. What advice would you give to a new preemie family?
Parents can find support through many groups on Facebook such as: NICU survivors-for families of NICU grads, NICU moms, The gift of life, and NICU strong.
Thank you so much to Lindsey for sharing her story. Please leave any supportive comments or questions below.
Leave a Reply