Every year, more than half a million babies are born prematurely in the United States. The rate of premature birth has risen by 30 percent since 1981.
Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death worldwide. Even babies born just a few weeks too soon can face serious health challenges and are at risk of lifelong disabilities. Premature birth costs society more than $26 billion a year.
We were one of the lucky families. Despite abrupting at 23.5w (and 17w before that) I was able to stay pregnant for 6 more weeks and give Emma a chance as survival. Had she been born the day I was admitted to the hospital she would have had a less than 30% chance of survival. Those 6 weeks gave her a chance and we owe her life to the March of Dimes and all that they've done for prematurity. The research and technologies that they have funded, along with the amazing doctors and nurses are why we have a spunky two and a half year old. There are many things I could say about our journey and how the decision to have a second child has brought so much of it back, but today I want to dwell on the positive.
6 comments:
She is such a beautiful miracle! I remember visiting you in the hospital and when she was born. I can't believe that 2.5 years have passed.
Those pictures never cease to startle me, and what a long 6 weeks those were. But your strength led to such an amazing daughter. Can't believe she's already 2.5!
Let me know if you're doing the March of Dimes again this year, would love to walk w/ you.
She looks just like her Mama :)Beautiful! So glad everything turned out so well for Emma. I'm thinking good thoughts for you for #2 as well!
Hear hear!
She's beautiful!
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