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As a NICU nurse, prematurity was something I was very familiar with. But possessing “head knowledge” and actually confronting the reality that your baby may be born “early” are two very different things. At 23 weeks, before my son was considered “viable,” I went into preterm labor. I was placed on bedrest with a home monitor and “as needed” terbutaline with the hopes of prolonging my pregnancy as long as possible. After a very long, often precarious 15 weeks, my son was thankfully born healthy. Today, my son is a vibrant, insightful little boy certain to accomplish greatness. I’m thankful that I had a skilled team of professionals overseeing our care to ensure my son was born to do great things.
Unfortunately, my story is not unique. In the US, a baby is born prematurely every single minute. And every single day 72 babies die before reaching their first birthday. The statistics persist across the globe, with 15 million babies born prematurely every single year. I’ve witnessed firsthand, the stress and fear of the unknown these families experience. Because the environment inside an isolette can never mirror that inside the womb, premature babies born even a few weeks early are at risk for a host of medical problems and developmental delays.
A large part of preventing prematurity involves conducting research and developing programs to help babies both in utero and then once they are born. For more than 75 years, the March of Dimes has helped families have healthy babies through the research, vaccines, education and breakthroughs they provide. The organization recently launched their #imbornto campaign, which celebrates all of the great things babies are born to do. Through Father’s Day, I encourage you to show your support for this incredible organization by shopping, donating, or becoming involved in promotions to help continue supporting their cause which seeks to realize the hopes and dreams mothers and fathers have for their babies.
If you visit imbornto.com, you’ll find a list of partner organizations which have committed to donating a portion of their proceeds during this time to the March of Dimes. The list includes brands like Alex and Ani, A&E Jewelers, MudPie, Bon-Ton and Martha Stewart, all of which offer beautiful gift-worthy items to celebrate that special mother or father in your life.
If you have ever received the polio vaccine, taken a prenatal vitamin with folic acid before or during your pregnancy, received an APGAR score immediately following the birth of your child, or had a baby receive surfactant upon delivery, you’ve been a recipient of the work of the March of Dimes.
For additional ways to support the March of Dimes or to learn more about their #imbornto campaign, visit imbornto.com.
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