November is celebrated internationally as Prematurity Awareness month with November 17 being designated as World Prematurity Day. This day recognizes the struggle small warriors go through to survive and thrive as well as show support for the family who are looking after them.
Before I go any further, let me speak on my experience with a preemie child. At the age of 7, my awesome little cousin made his way into the world at 3 lbs. and 2 months earlier than we expected him. Pure joy and scaredom gripped my young heart as my little cousin fit quite comfortably in my little palms. He was so small I was so afraid I would hurt him. For months and years, I watched that little boy struggle to survive and conquer many tasks that were so easy for me when I was his age. But now, some thirty years later, I look up to that boy both figuratively and literally as he now stands over 6 feet tall.
The term Preemie refers to babies born earlier than expected, that is, below 37 weeks and thus are not fully developed. This results in various difficulties for these babies. It has been reported by various medical literature that babies born between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation are considered full term and that most pregnancies last approximately 40 weeks. Studies show that preemie babies will have more health problems such as problems with their brain, lungs, heart, eyes and other organs, and need to stay in the hospital longer than babies born later. Additionally, preemies may need special medical care in a newborn intensive care unit otherwise known as a NICU. It is reported that 1 in 10 babies will be born premature in Jamaica. Premature babies can have long-term challenges in their future some of which are intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Preemies are fighters!
In spite of their initial shaky start to life and hospital stay, these babies normally survive with a fighting spirit. Thus, many studies have purported that preemie babies will have a higher level of resilience and grit in to other children. This is so because they literally enter the world fighting for everything from their breath, the need for touch and hugs. So, it is believed that as a result of early life experiences that these preemies may be more independent and self-sufficient than persons might think.
For more information please contact the Preemie Foundation of Jamaica.
Contributed by Vice President Shauna McLeod
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