Prematurity Awareness Day

November 17th is designated by the March of Dimes as Prematurity Awareness Day. Preemie moms are asked to blog about their experiences with prematurity and how it has affected our lives.

Brandon was born 14 weeks early on July 5, 2008 at 26 weeks, 1 day gestation. He weighed 1 pound, 14 ounces and was 13 inches long. Prior to my sac rupturing at 19 1/2 weeks with Brandon's twin sister and delivering her a week later at 20 1/2 weeks I had never known anyone who had a preemie. I also never knew that a baby wasn't considered viable until 24 weeks (although many babies born at 23 weeks are living now).

Having a premature baby has changed my life in many ways. I have learned about so many things that I never thought I would know about. I am not the same person that I was before I had Brandon. I don't take the small things for granted anymore. I have met many other preemie moms and have formed some amazing friendships from it.

Brandon has been a fighter since day 1. He came out crying and fighting for his life. He spent 12 weeks in the NICU and the day he came home was the happiest day in my life. I have not once taken Brandon's life for granted. Brandon truly is my hero. He has been through so much in the 16 months that he has been alive. More than anyone should have to go through in a lifetime. Even though he has been through so much he is a very happy, smiley baby. I went out to dinner a few nights ago with some other preemie moms and one mom who I was with summed it up well with what she said about her preemie son. He is always smiling because he is happy to be alive. I believe the same thing about Brandon. I think the reason he is so smiley is because he is happy to just be alive.

One group that I have learned a lot about since Brandon was born is the March of Dimes. If it were not for the March of Dimes Brandon would not be where he is today. Visit the March of Dimes website and see how you can help.