"9 months of a healthy pregnancy is the best gift you can give your future baby"

Honor a child you know who was born prematurely or any child who has touched your life. Band Together with the March of Dimes.

from TAKE ACTION

Learn About Prematurity

Employer health costs for premature babies during the first year of their lives average $41,610, compared to $2,830 for babies born healthy and full term.

from HELP REDUCE THE COSTS

For Women

If a woman has any of the warning signs of preterm labor, she should call her health care provider or go to the hospital right away.

from IF YOU'RE PREGNANT

FROM OUR COMMUNITY FOR FAMILIES:
THE PARSONS FAMILY

In August of 2003, I was admitted into the hospital at 32 weeks with preeclampsia.  Little did we know that our baby had other plans.  We were going to be induced at 34 weeks, our son came at 33 weeks on September 1, 2003, Labor day.  He was 4 pounds and 8 ounces, 16 inches long and was taken directly to the NICU.  They told us he would be in the NICU for six weeks.  Thankfully, Jack did amazingly well only needing help with feeding and growing with some help in the beginning with breathing.  His little lungs just weren't mature enough.  Jack is now almost 5 years old and about to start kindergarten with no lasting side effects of his prematurity, aside from becoming sick fairly easy with respiratory symptoms. 
THE FACES OF PREMATURITY

August 21, 2008