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Premature / NICU Babies

Premature baby holding mothers hand representing Prematurity Awareness Month

In November, New Orleans Mom recognizes Prematurity Awareness Month, where we tackle the important issue of premature birth, including prevention methods, hospital treatment, and how Moms can support each other through these tough times.

Nearly 1 in 10 are born premature, defined as being born before the normal 37 to 40 weeks of pregnancy, resulting in nearly 400,000 premature babies being born in the U.S. every year. Preterm birth, the leading cause of infant mortality, can carry great risks to the short- and long-term health of the many children that survive.  That’s why Prematurity Awareness Month is such an important topic for the writers and editors at New Orleans Mom. 

Being pregnant can be one of the most exciting parts of being a Mom, and New Orleans Mom’s contributors look at pregnancy from all angles. And since the Health & Wellness of Moms is a big topic for our writers, we follow what technology and treatment centers are available for women during pregnancy.  

Important to our Prematurity Awareness Month content is our coverage of treatment options, especially what parents can expect from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We also get the perspectives of the professionals in the NICU, so Moms in the Crescent City know what to expect when caring for their premature babies. 

Of course, caring for premature babies is another challenge that New Orleans Mom examines. It starts with the neonatal nurses who provide critical care, but care for premature babies continues long after they leave the hospital.  We bring to light the stories of mothers of premature babies, and how the experience can be traumatic at first, but end in Miracles thanks to top neonatal care. 

As is so often the case, we Moms are there to help other Moms who are going through their own challenges with premature babies, and New Orleans Mom coverage of Prematurity Awareness Month includes information on how to help support other Moms in your community. 

Thank You Neonatal Nurses

Sixteen months ago Like all mothers, I remember giving birth to my twins with nostalgia. Never did I think I would be surrounded by such amazing doctors and neonatal nurses that day. You see, my twins decided to make an...
In 2003 at the age of 23 years old, after a four year tumultuous relationship, I found myself unwed and pregnant with my first child. I had always been a “rule follower” and quite honestly was pretty embarrassed by...
My wife & I decided we were going to try to have a baby. I already had a 19 year old at that time. After three (1-miscarriage) failed tries of IUI, our specialist suggested trying fertility drugs to increase...
When I was approached to write a blog about my NICU and pregnancy experiences, I immediately agreed to do it, and then the fear set in. I knew I had a lot to say, but being in the midst...
Disclosure :: this post is sponsored by Touro Infirmary.  Lessons Learned from a NICU Mom “It is said that the walls of the NICU have heard more prayers than the walls of any church. Judging by my own experience and the...

From Your NICU Nurse, With Love

The Moment I Knew When I started nursing school, I wanted to do labor and delivery, eventually becoming a certified nurse midwife. But then Jarrod was born, at 23 weeks and weighing 525 grams. Jarrod was small but mighty, and...
Before having my second child, I didn’t know much about preemies, and I knew zero about micro preemies. All that would come to mind when I heard the word "preemie" was an adorable teeny tiny baby and clothes small...