Blessing When you are experiencing a complicated pregnancy or a NICU stay, it is sometimes hard to see the good. It is a scary and emotional time, but sometimes a premature birth is actually a blessing. It may save a baby's life. I know that my premature birth saved my twins' lives. If I had not been in the hospital, or heard that slow heart rate, my boys may not have … [Read more...]
25 Weeks Gestation: Ephraim’s Story
25 Weeks A full-term pregnancy is roughly 40 weeks. When a baby is born at 25 weeks, which is about 15 weeks early, they miss an entire trimester of development in the womb. It is a very scary time for everyone involved, and these babies have the odds stacked against them. My twins were born at 25 weeks, 5 days. I still remember the neonatologist giving us the statistics on … [Read more...]
Micro Preemie Milestones: Hailey’s Story
Micro Preemie Milestones When our smallest and sickest babies are born, every small step forward and every ounce gained is a reason to celebrate. They may not be "typical" milestones, but that doesn't make micro preemie milestones any less important. For each tiny battle is an amazing accomplishment for someone who has the odds stacked against them. Whether it was an ounce … [Read more...]
True Hero: Taylor, Megan, and Stephanie’s Story
True Hero Every Monday, I share with you amazing, miraculous fighters. Micro preemies are the smallest, and often sickest, babies, but they prove again and again how strong they are. However, there is usually at least one other true hero in each story. The siblings of the tiny little miracles are also miraculous themselves. I often think back to our time in the NICU, and … [Read more...]
Micro Preemie Monday and Josephine
Micro Preemie Monday Welcome to another Micro Preemie Monday. Each Monday, I have the honor of introducing you to a family who has been impacted by premature birth. Most of these babies are some of the smallest (only weighing up to 2 lbs) and earliest born (born up until 28 weeks.) Their journeys are extremely difficult, but also exceptionally inspiring. While it may be tough … [Read more...]