Premature Birth Awareness Month
Awareness has become a great focus for me. Even though November is coming to an end, it does not mean the end of Micro Preemie Monday or the end of Prematurity Awareness. I have a lot more beautiful faces and stories to share with you, and until all babies are born full-term and healthy, I will keep fighting along with our tiny miracles.
There is another cause, though, that I am passionate about. TTTS, or Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, takes more babies’ lives than SIDS each year. It does not discriminate, and can affect a twin pregnancy at any time. (In most cases, an identical twin pregnancy, where the babies share a placenta, but in some rare instances, if the placenta fuses early on, it could happen to a fraternal set too.)
December Awareness
December is TTTS Awareness Month, with World TTTS Day on December 7th. My boys were born early because of complications from TTTS, and I will forever be grateful to The Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation for arming me with knowledge during my pregnancy. Mary, the founder, was a source of comfort and strength for me. She also helped me find a doctor and a support system that saved my boys.
Thankful
Today, on Thanksgiving, as everyone is thinking about what they are thankful for, I can’t help get a little emotional. I am truly thankful for my family.
In addition to Mary, my doctor, Dr. Julian De Lia, and my doctor, Dr. Worthington, I’m also thankful to all the Neonatologists and Nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital. They all have equal credit in saving my boys’ lives, and helping me make it through a really tough time.
I am also so thankful to everyone who has shared their stories with me and with you for Micro Preemie Mondays. Thank you for helping me raise awareness to premature birth in such a beautiful way.
Thank you to everyone who keeps coming back each Monday to read these stories of hope.
What’s Next
In December, I’m going to be talking a lot about TTTS, and I’d love to share some other stories with you. If you are interested in sharing your story about Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, please email me at shanneva@yahoo.com.
I hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving and spending it with the people you love.
That is so interesting. I didn’t realize that was a big issue, but I look forward to more of these posts.
I’ve learned so much from your blog. Thanks for bringing awareness to us! I actually had a friend who dealt with TTTS. That’s some pretty scary stuff!
There is a lot to be thankful for! I love this holiday because we can really focus and prioritize what it is that is special.
What a precious Thanksgiving blessing children are
You have a beautiful family! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Such a beautiful family! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! xxx
I love all that you do to raise awareness Shann! You are such a great advocate for premature moms and babes. I haven’t heard of this before. I’m definitely looking forward to future posts!
wow this is a great post, shared some really great info here.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your family is beautiful and you can feel the love in your writing. I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family! 🙂
I had no idea there was something like this! So happy your boys are okay and you’re helping spread awareness about the issue 🙂
Oh wow – thanks for letting me know about this because I wasn’t aware about TTTS. Can’t wait to learn more about this in Dec 🙂 Hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving!
-Linh
I love reading posts that educate us about things we may not be aware of…I am happy that you had a great support for your boys…have a blessed holiday weekend.
I have learned so much from your blog. Looking forward to learning more
Thank you for educating about TTTS. Look forward to reading more about it. Best wishes!
I’d never heard of this syndrome before. So good that you are educating us. I sincerely hope your difficult times are over.
I know someone who dealt with TTTS with her identical twin girls. When she told me their birth story it was shocking what she went through. She had an extremely emergent c-section without any anesthetic as there was no time. She’s an incredibly strong woman.
Wow. She really must be. I hope her girls are doing well now.