World Prematurity Day

So I missed it by a day but yesterday was World Prematurity Day. When we got pregnant I never thought we would be dealing with a premature baby. Our doctors did not initially think Allie would make it in the womb past 32 weeks. We were thrilled when she hit 2 lbs then 3lbs and finally 4 lbs. We were blessed and had many prayers answered and she ended up being born via C-Section at 35 weeks 6 days weighing a HUGE 6lbs 1 oz. Due to her being premature she had respiratory problems and problems regulating her temperature. We spend 1 week in the Huntsville Hospital NICU. The NICU is nothing like I expected. It is oddly very calming. The nurses and doctors in the NICU were great. I can no emphasis enough how great Allie's care in the NICU was. The nurses knew her by name, the lactation consultant would check on her during her shift, and they all worked extremely hard to get her the best care and get her home as soon as possible. They didn't even act put out by me sitting at her crib reading or staring at her for hours on end. When you are in the NICU you get to know the other babies and the other parents. I am blessed to have met wonderful parents while there. I feel for each baby and family there. The NICU is a tough place to be. Even though you don't have the morning feedings and the 24/7 care of bringing a baby home the back and forth to the hospital and the emotional and mental aspect will wear you out. The Huntsville Hospital NICU is now my charity of choice. I can no emphasis enough what the equipment and facilities there do. Thankfully Allie had everything she needed in our back door. Since HH is the regional NICU there were parents driving hours each way so their baby could receive the best care. On World Prematurity Day...Get Informed and Give.