Born at 24... 24 weeks to be exact weighing in at 1 pound and 12 ounces.
He was a Micro-Preemie baby.
A few months ago, an old friend of mine announced that she was pregnant. I personally have never had children but many of my friends have expressed the joy that their children have brought to their life. I could never be happier for my friend...
Exactly 24 weeks into her pregnancy, complications arose.
She gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on December 11th 2015.
Due to his delicate state and small size, he was to remain in NICU for observation.
After a long and hard battle, he passed away exactly 3 months later on March 11th, 2016.
I was heart broken.
My mind and body could not process the sadness that came over me the day I found out the little one passed away. He was a trooper for as long as he could... but he was just too small.
There is nothing I could say to my friend to make her feel better. I know that the only thing that can comfort her is the fact that her baby boy is no longer suffering and is at rest.
Understanding what a micro-preemie baby is has helped to give an old friend the support she very desperately needed and what to say in her time of grievance...
WHAT IS A MICRO-PREEMIE?
A micro preemie is a baby who is born weighing less than 1 pound, 12 ounces (800 grams) or before 26 weeks gestation. Since these types of babies are born months before their due dates, micro preemies face long stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Although many extremely premature babies grow up with no long-term effects of prematurity, others face severe health problems throughout life.
A micro baby suffers from a number of immediate health issues including underdeveloped:
1) lungs, heart, veins, and eyes
2) essential body systems such as respiratory, circulatory and digestive
Most babies born prematurely develop permanent damage to their body systems and for the most part require constant medical surveillance.
For more detailed information on the health issues developed by micro-preemie babies, please visit The Very Well website.
He was a Micro-Preemie baby.
A few months ago, an old friend of mine announced that she was pregnant. I personally have never had children but many of my friends have expressed the joy that their children have brought to their life. I could never be happier for my friend...
Exactly 24 weeks into her pregnancy, complications arose.
She gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on December 11th 2015.
Due to his delicate state and small size, he was to remain in NICU for observation.
After a long and hard battle, he passed away exactly 3 months later on March 11th, 2016.
I was heart broken.
My mind and body could not process the sadness that came over me the day I found out the little one passed away. He was a trooper for as long as he could... but he was just too small.
There is nothing I could say to my friend to make her feel better. I know that the only thing that can comfort her is the fact that her baby boy is no longer suffering and is at rest.
Understanding what a micro-preemie baby is has helped to give an old friend the support she very desperately needed and what to say in her time of grievance...
WHAT IS A MICRO-PREEMIE?
A micro preemie is a baby who is born weighing less than 1 pound, 12 ounces (800 grams) or before 26 weeks gestation. Since these types of babies are born months before their due dates, micro preemies face long stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Although many extremely premature babies grow up with no long-term effects of prematurity, others face severe health problems throughout life.
1) lungs, heart, veins, and eyes
2) essential body systems such as respiratory, circulatory and digestive
Most babies born prematurely develop permanent damage to their body systems and for the most part require constant medical surveillance.
For more detailed information on the health issues developed by micro-preemie babies, please visit The Very Well website.
WHAT IS THE SURVIVAL RATE FOR PREMATURE BABIES?
22 weeks - About 10% of babies survive
23 weeks - 50 to 66% of babies survive
24 weeks - 66 to 80% of babies survive
25 weeks - 75 to 85% of babies survive
26 weeks - more than 90% survive
Yes, it is true that micro preemies have far more health challenges and complications than regular preemies, but no preemie is out of the woods, by any stretch.
All preemie parents are scared to death of losing one of the most important things in their lives — no matter how big or small their baby is or how long their baby is in the NICU.
All premature babies are at risk for a variety of setbacks and infections and they all deserve the best medical care available and our respect. There are few things as upsetting as not being able to take your baby home from the hospital after birth, and there is nothing worse than watching your baby suffer through medical interventions in a hospital.
HOW CAN WE HELP PREMATURE BABY PARENTS?
During my friend's 3 month journey with her little one, any small detail to show compassion and support was deeply appreciated. With my friends recent experience, I have learned a great deal and know now of some of the things that her family appreciated. Whether we have children or not, we can do things that will help a family in need...
1) we want to acknowledge the birth of their little ones and congratulate parents on their bundle of joy!
2) Food... hospital stays can be exhausting and some parents can go days without eating
3) Gift cards and small cash donations. Some parents stop working and sometimes need a little economic support. Every dollar counts and adds up quickly.
4) Offering transportation
5) Care packages
6) When visiting a preemie, compliance of parents wishes is a big deal especially if the parents ask you to wear a mask, wash your hands or not even touch the baby.
7) Have compassion and be patient.
The greatest gift you can give a family through those fearful moments is love, prayer and help them maintain a positive attitude and never give up on hope. When a preemie baby loses their battle, the parents need a pillar of strength among friends and families.
This post is dedicated in the memory of baby Isaiah... born at 24.
12/11/2015 - 3/11/2016
Psalm 121:1, 2
