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I was a preemie 25 years ago, born at 28 weeks. I was 2 pounds, 13 inches. I was in the NICU for 7 weeks. The doctors told my parents that I would never be taller than 5 feet, never weigh more than 100 pounds, and never be as smart as my "full-term" classmates. However, I am now 5'9', I weigh over 100 pounds, and I graduated high school in the top 1/4 of my class with an academic scholarship. So-don't always take what the doctors say as 100% true. God answered my parents prayers, and He is now answering mine with my preemie son. Best wishes to all of you parents of preemies.

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I had premature rupture of membranes at 24 weeks of pregnancy. I was hospitalized until I delivered at 30 weeks 1 day. My son was born 10 weeks premature, and he is currently in the NICU. He was on a ventillator for one day, then on a CPAP for four days, then on a nasal cannula for 4 days, and now he is breathing on his own. He is still in an isolette, and gradually gaining weight. His PDA has closed, and he is still overcoming a grade II IVH. He is absolutely the cutest and most precious baby that I have ever seen! I am at the NICU about 6-8 hours everyday; and my husband is there for a few hours after work. This is our first child, and we are so happy to be his parents; yet so sad that he has to go through all of this. we try not to overstimulate him, but at the same time we want to hold him, touch him, and talk to him. We have agreed, though, that whatever he needs is what we will do. It has been two weeks exactly since Chase was born and the last two weeks have been the most challenging time we have ever been through. When the nurses say that having your child in the NICU is a "roller coaster ride," we thought they meant because of the different things that could happen with our son-and that is true, but only part of the roller coaster; as we have come to learn that coping with our feelings, not having our child at home with us, adapting to running back and forth between home and the NICU, and so many other things are a HUGE part of the roller coaster ride that we are on. I have a newfound respect for all parents, but especially for those parents of children who are premature and who have been in the NICU.

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I am glad I found your site! My best friend had two premies and I am sure to pass this information along.

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My daughter was born at 27 weeks on April 12 2004. She weighed 1 lb 15 oz. She spent 2 mos in NICU. She has been home since June 14. She now weighs around 12 lbs. She does not seem to have any problems whatsoever. I had P.R.O.M. at 25 weeks and thankfully was able to keep her inside until I was 27 weeks and 2 days (those 2 days count, you know it). Never give up hope. Show your preemie you love them any way you can. Kangarooing was the most wonderful feeling when I was finally able to hold her and she absolutely loved it. She was only on a respirator for a couple hours after birth, after that she stayed on the nasal canula until about 2 weeks before she came home which is a great feat for a preemie. She had 2 blood transfusions. She's a fighter!

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I just found this site and thought I would share my story of inspiration. 42 years ago I was born prematurely at 3 pounds and 4 ounces. At that time, this was a dangerously low birthweight. Today, I am happy to report that I am healthy, and other than some NICU scars on my arms and legs, show no other lasting signs of my struggle to survive. Because of this, I have always viewed my life as one big wonderful gift. Every day is precious and not to be taken for granted. I wish all preemies, and their families, the same gift of health I have enjoyed, and the same thankfulness for life I have.

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i have a little sister(Jessica) who was born at 23 1/2 weeks and she weighed 1 pound 5 ounces. she was the smallest thing i have ever seen. the doctors told us she would be blind, deaf and have severe mental problems, she is now six years old and is absolutely perfect, no health problems at all! long blonde hair and blue eyes, shes my family's little miracle.