Today is World Prematurity Day, a day intended to raise awareness of the high rates of premature births worldwide. I've shared before about Keira (now 4) being born 11 weeks premature. I've shared a bit about our lengthy NICU stay, and I even (hesitantly) shared how hard my second pregnancy was because of the intense grief I felt over her premature birth. Being a NICU parent … [Read more...]
Pregnancy after a Preemie
This post may contain affiliate links.I haven't really posted or said much about my pregnancy on my blog since I announced it a few months ago. The reason being that this pregnancy is high risk due to having delivered prematurely previously. I just haven't felt like sharing and celebrating this pregnancy yet. I haven't felt safe enough to do so. I still don't, however, I thought it might … [Read more...]
Avery’s Act of Kindness Fundraiser in Support of the Sunnybrook NICU
This post may contain affiliate links.When I was 28 weeks pregnant with my daughter Keira, my membranes ruptured suddenly and without warning in the middle of the night. After 5 days of bed-rest in the hospital she couldn't wait any longer and made her appearance 3 months early and only weighing 1360 grams (3 lbs). A team of specialists were at the ready in my labour room ready to scoop her up and do … [Read more...]
My time in the High Risk Obstetrical Unit
This post may contain affiliate links.When I experienced Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) at 28 weeks gestation, which is the amniotic sac breaking before 37 weeks of gestation, I spent the next 5 days in the High Risk Obstetrical Unit. Since I was on bed-rest and in a semi-private room, I had lots of opportunity to get to know the other girl in our room. I found out … [Read more...]
Prematurity Awareness: Jillian’s Story
This post may contain affiliate links.Hi everyone! First, thank you Elizabeth for letting me guest post here! I'm Cheryl and I do have my own little corner of the interwebs at http://beautifulsideofhectic.com. I mostly blog about our day to day life- My 5.5 year old daughter Lauren, my husband Adam, our cat Timbit and our 4 year old daughter Jillian makes regular appearances on my blog. Jillian happens to have … [Read more...]
Prematurity Awareness – Keira’s Story
This post may contain affiliate links.Ignorance is not quite Bliss November is International Prematurity Awareness Month. Last November I never thought that this cause would become so important to me. A year ago I was happily pregnant and worrying about what labour would be like. I had just found out I was carrying a little girl at my 19 week scan (Nov 1st 2011). I was dreaming of the … [Read more...]
Mom’s Voice May Improve the Health of Premature Babies
This post may contain affiliate links.As some of you know, my daughter Keira was born at 29 weeks and 2 days gestation weighing only 1360 grams (3lbs). Preemie awareness is something very near and dear to my heart. Babies born prematurely are put under the care of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which is equipped with teams of Doctors and nurses all skilled at saving these tiny lives as well as the … [Read more...]