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Hi. I am a "former" premie and was born @ 30 weeks. I weighed 2#2oz. and was 10 1/4 in. long. I had a *few* of the common premie problems and then some. One complication was SEVERE jaundice requiring exchange transfusions. Another was a Grade III IVH that, despite NUMEROUS spinal taps, it did not resolve and I had to have a shunt inserted when I was 1 mo., 8 days old(due to posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus). That did not last(of course) so 19 days later I had a valve inserted to make it a "permanent" device. Since that time until I was 7, I had *at least* ten surgeries(or more). At the time, I was the smallest baby in the state of North Carolina to have a shunt(I sure would like to know whether or not that still stands today). I am deaf in my right ear and at the age of 2, I was diagnosed as having CP. I have ALWAYS wanted to be a physician but I have decided that that is an impossible dream(trust me, for me it is anyways) so I have decided to put ALL of my heart and soul into becoming a Level III NICU RN or NP. I have also become interested in maybe neurosurgical nursing and/or also the possibility of obtaining "dual degrees" as a NNP/PNP. Well, I guess that's all(LOL!). BTW, I'm 19 now.

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I had my daughter Kaylena at 32 weeks by a c-section. Kaylena weighed in at 3 pounds 1 oz, and 15 and 3/4 inches long. She spent 28 days in NICU and came home. Kaylena is now 2 and still tiny, and still behind in development. I would love to hear from other moms or dads of premies around 32 weeks or moms or dads that have lost a baby!!! Kaylena was a twin and Katlynn died in-utero at 24 weeks. I have two other wonderfully healthy full term babies Griffin 3 and Gabriel 3 months. Plese contact me for talk and information. Brandi

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I am very greatful that I found this website. It has helped me to cope with some of the questions and feelings I have had with just becoming a mother to a 1lb. 10 oz. baby boy. His name is Donavon Riley and so far he has had a lot of problems with his lungs. Ive read almost all the stories people have shared and I just pray the best for all.

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Hi! What an encouragement to find your website. My son Aaron was born Nov. 17, 2001. His original due date was Feb. 11, 2002, he was 13 weeks premature weighing 1 lb 7 oz. and was 12 inches in length. He was born early due to preeclampsia and fetal distress. The doctors said he only had a 50% chance of staying with us, but God heard our prayers. After three months in the NICU, ventillators, respirators, nasaol oxygen, several blood infections, 13 blood transfusions, intenstinal problems, hernia, sucking problems, ROP of the eyes, hypoglycemia, and growth retardation our son with the help of the Lord beat the odds and cam home on Valentine's Day of 2002 three days after his due date. It is such a joy to finally have him home. It has been a rough road, but God is faithful and our son is doing well. We praise the Lord for the wonderful things he has done. Please visit our website and sign Aaron's guest book. God bless - Sommer

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So happy I found your site! Have visited it many times in past several days. I have a 26 week granddaughter that is now 4 years old and I can never thank God enough for her - what a joy she is. She is doing very well and we have much to be thankful for as she was so tiny 1lb 14 oz but now weighs 31 pounds and after several operations and much therapy she is capable of so many things. We are ever amazed at her and her accomplishments and what a beautiful smile and happy personality!

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Well I haven't got a prem baby - I am a prem baby -will be 27 this year! Ive only just found this site and think its a fantastic idea -I would like to say to all those parents of prem babies that being premature isnt always a negative thing and I am living proof that being premature can be positive - Im a fairly heathly 27 year old and have recently gained a BA 2:1 degree at university- am now a full time civil servant...I may have been small but im happy healthy and intelligent. I will be forever in gratitude to the doctors and nurses who saved my life and will never ever forget the care I received when i was born - knowing that I was premature and that for a while my life was hanging in the balance has made me a more compassionate and caring person myself and I am thankful for my chance at life - I still have the nickname I was given in the hospital too -I was called 'thumbelina' by the nurses because I was so small! Good things do come in small packages and premature babies are living proof of that.