March for Babies-Join the Fight!

When I learned that I was pregnant I knew that I would be part of The Motherhood Club. Never in a million years did I think I would be part of the Mother of Twins Club or the Mother of Micro-preemies Club. Funny where life takes you, right? In response to my experience and on behalf of my beautiful miracle babies, Sakura and Akira, I am participating in the March for Babies Walk on May 14th in Lake Worth, FL. I will be making this a yearly effort in support of the ground breaking research that has saved my daughters lives.

Sakura and Akira have come a long way and have fought for their lives. I am doing what I can to give back to my community and support future babies by providing them with the most up-to-date medical interventions available though funded research. Please visit my webpage for more information and to find out how you can help save the tiniest of lives.

Seriously, back away from my child!!

I have learned recently that people just do not understand what it's like to have a baby (in my case 2) in the hospital for almost 4 months. I've have Mimi home for a little over a month and I've taken her out to the park and supermarket. We always go before school and work rush-hour, but that doesn't mean we're the only ones in the store. I can't believe how many people are eager to come so near and sometimes touch her! I don't understand it. They see how tiny she is and can pass for a 2 week old newborn, so why would you get so close? I always explain that she's small for her age because she was born 3 months early. You would think that people would back off, but no they move in with even more interest. I don't mind answering questions because many people don't know anyone who had a preemie so early and it promotes awareness. But logically speaking, if you know the child was born 3 months early and was hospitalized, wouldn't you also know that the baby is fragile and you should keep your distance? Some may argue, "Well if the baby is that fragile, then maybe you should stay home". I'm sorry, but just because I have a baby doesn't everyone a free pass to breathe on her. I know babies are cute and bring smiles to everyone's faces, but your a complete stranger with germs and she's an infant who hasn't gotten all her shots yet. Think before you leap, right?

To help with keeping people at a distance I bought a car seat cover that has a mesh net and a solid cover to block the sun, wind, and germy strangers. Today, I went to the post office to mail a package. I took the solid cover off while we were inside and left the mesh cover over her. While I was writing the addresses down I heard "She's so cute!" from behind me. I couldn't believe this lady almost had her nose pressed up against the net to see Mimi. Really, are you kidding me? In explaining that Mimi was a preemie I said "...that's why I have the cover to keep people away from her." She sure did back up then! Next, we went over to the supermarket. This time I left the solid cover over her. Sure enough at check out a lady came up to us and tried to look at Mimi though the little bit of mesh that was left uncovered to allow air into the car seat. You could tell that she wanted me to lift the solid cover so that she could get a better look, but I did no such thing. I said my usual explanation and rolled away before she could get any other ideas. Unbelievable.

I bought the car seat cover to keep Mimi safer at the airport because it's such a crowded place. Now I'm worried that it won't be enough. Do I need to put a sign on the seat too?!?! This is one reason why I'm so happy that the March of Dimes is promoting Prematurity Awareness Month. Making others aware of the challenges babies, preemie and full-term alike, face outside of the womb is very important. We all have to do our part to keep our little ones healthy. So, when you see a car seat, with out without a cover, keep your distance knowing that taking a peek from 5 feet away is helping to keep that baby healthy because you don't know if that baby is a 28 week old preemie who fought to breathe and stay alive like my bundles of joy.

Prematurity Awareness Month-Spread the Word

I knew I was pregnant with twins and I knew they were most likely going to be born early, probably around 36 or 37 weeks. Never in a million years did I think they would come at 28 weeks, a full three months ahead of schedule. My girls fought long and hard to grow and develop while my husband and I helplessly waited for them to grow and develop. Babies are born early for a number of reasons, baby is in distress, water broke early, contractions started and were unable to be stopped, etc. My girls came early because of preeclampsia.  The cause of preeclampsia is unknown, which is why more research has to be done. The only cure for this is to give birth. I was hospitalized for a week and given steroids for the girls lungs and delivered on 7/16/2010. I was on vacation in NY when I was starting to have problems with chest pain and contractions. The journey was long, but we are finally going home next week. Knowing what I have been though and after seeing so many other babies in the NICU, I will make it my business to become more involved in raising awareness on prematurity. Please visit the March of Dimes website to gain more information on prematurity, other baby-related topics and to find ways you can spread the word. While you're there, grab a badge for your blog and stand for the fight.