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Hi everyone! I tried to read all the stories to see if there was one as similar to mine as possible, but I didn't. My daughter, Azaria(Who God Helps), was born @ 27 weeks gestation in March,2004 when her due date was the end of May. She was 1lb 12oz. and stayed in the NICU until May 27, 2005. She just made a year and is creeping around, in her walker, sitting up, eating well and extremely verbally expressive. I gave birth vaginally because the doctor thought that she didn't have a fighting chance. I am finally glad that I can share with others the miraculous stories of preemie parenthood experiences. I would really like to meet more grown-up preemies. Jenell, B.V.I

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I am a mom to a former 23 week preemie girl who is now age 3. She had a tracheostomy for the first 2 years of her life, Came home on C-pap for the first year along with oxygen. We spent 6 1/2 months in the NICU. She encountered such things as ROP, IVH grade 3 and 4, BPD, subglotic stenosis, tracheal malacia, CLD, and osteo-myelitis. We are so proud of our daughter for coming so far and doing so well! Andrea You are invited to view our website and forum for preemie parents. www.prematurebaby.org and our forum is http://s8.invisionfree.com/prematurebaby/index.php? Hope to see you there.

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My name is Amy. I have a daughter who is 11 years old. She was aborn July 3, 1993 at University of Kentucky Hospital and spent 118 days in the NICU. She was born on the day of my gestational 25th week. A 'huge', 1lb., 6oz. bundle of attitude. Her eyes still fused, perfect hair line and beautiful set of fingernails. Eye lashes and eye brows - perfect. Waiting to see the world. She had a long, busy 118 days in the NICU. She tried to crash on me twice, two minor surgeries, preparation for retinal detachment laser surgery three times, and many other interesting days later, we came home. There were several days of concern and worry. I always knew I would bring her home. After 16 blood transfusions, 76 x-rays, 8 weeks on the ventilator, and too many intubation tubes to count - we stayed our last night in the NICU. She came home on Ocotber 22, 1993 at 4lbs., 15 oz. with her ng tube, apnea monitor, oxygen tank with her nasal canula, bright eyes and grins. She turns 12 this year and has had a very full, fun life so far. She is still small at 53 lbs. and is 4'5" tall. She does wear glasses for reading and has already had braces once. Other than that, she's a pretty normal, aware hippie chic. I just love my little peanut. The preteen years seem pretty normal for her - little girl; big attitude. She's a very sensitive, loving child who loves to help others. She is very drawn to the disabled children in her school. She is the first to help others. Being shy doesn't seem to stop her from wanting to help the smaller, slower children get ahead. My miracle's name is Shelby. She's Mom's cute, little blue-eyed beauty.

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I have a little girl named Chloe who was born at 23.6 weeks and is finally home and doing great!

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I went into labour with my second child at 26 weeks. The doctors were able to hold me till 27 wks and 2 days and then Tair was born on Oct. 27, 1996, at 990 kg. (about 2 lbs.). She had all the regular preemie things: respirator for 9 days, apnea, blood tranfusion. I was in a pretty conservative hospital and fought the whole stay for Kangaroo care and breast feeding. I was able to do both because I had other people who had been through similar situations to talk to. I was able to breatsfeed her until she was hospitalized with bronchitis, and RSV. Today, Tair is 8 1/2 years old and extremely healthy. Now that she is in second grade we are starting to wonder is she has learning difficulties due to the prematurity. Not sure yet. I am writing this since I am very interested in helping others who are dealing with similar issues. Like I said I wouldn't of made it without the support of others.