When I was in graduate school, a friend of mine gave birth to a baby with a minor birth defect. She casually mentioned that her doctor told her that if she'd been taking folic acid when she got pregnant, she probably could have avoided the complication.
I was shocked.
I thought everyone knew that women who were of child-bearing age should be taking folic acid to help prevent birth defects. How could my friend, an intelligent, educated woman, not have known this?
From that time, I've always supported the March of Dimes in "working together for stronger, healthier babies."
November 17 is National Prematurity Awareness Day. In honor of our baby girls, born at 34 1/2 weeks, I'm re-posting a portion of our NICU story, told in light of the NICU reunion we attended in September.
I praise God every day that we have two happy, healthy babies. I pray for the families that are fighting for their babies...for the medical professionals who are caring for them...and for the scientists who research ways to help and prevent issues such as prematurity.
Revisiting the NICU, written September 12, 2010
...and if you'll excuse me, I'm going to give my two sweet girlies an extra big hug.
8 comments:
When I found out I was carrying quadruplets, there was no doubt I would have preemies. I'm thankful for the advances made by the March of Dimes to help preemies survive.
The NICU was our 2nd home for almost 2 weeks. Unfortunately, we had two very sick babies, but the amazing doctors and nurses made miracles happen. (See the first few paragraphs of this post if you're interest is sparked: http://www.doublethegiggles.com/2010/09/letter-to-my-babies-as-they-turn-one.html )
My babes weren't premature, but I did get to see the tender care provided to little ones who just didn't stay in the oven long enough. A boy born at just 27 weeks shared a NICU 'pod' with my boys. So tiny and fragile, but science is an amazing thing... and with the support of the March of Dimes, wonderful things have happened.
Thank you for participating in the Fight for Preemies again this year. Together we can raise awareness. Squeeze those girls tight.
i'm always amazed by science. while my kids were in the nicu there were quads that were delivered at 24 weeks. it was crazy. those babies were so small, but made it. there were kids on ecmo, specialized treatments, and i was just amazed every single day. our kids were born at 34 weeks also and i'm so thankful that science, medicine, funding agencies exist to help progress things. :)
Matt only spent a few hours in NICU, but we know how lucky we are...yes, awareness is the most important thing for all women. Thanks for posting this.
Although my pregnancy was not an easy one, we were fortunate not to have to spend any time in the NICU. But I still give regularly to the March of Dimes. Our budget is tight, and I always wish I could do more, but I feel like every little bit helps. Their work is so important.
Lovely post. Today I'll give my little guys an extra big squeeze since I am up before them for a change (they normally sneak into our beds early in the morning for cuddles)
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