A story about a 1lb 14oz baby and his mama
I'm telling our story, one week at a time.
Stay up-to-date with post notifications:
Blog
My baby weighed less than two pounds at birth. We navigated a tough pregnancy, traumatic birth, and long NICU stay. I had to get my thoughts down in writing because it was the only way to process what was happening. Now, I'm sharing those thoughts with the world in the hopes that our journey can help someone else. We want the things we went through to become part of your survival guide.
There are no published blog posts yet.My warrior baby
Welcome to the world, sweet boy | 1lb, 14oz, 12.5"
February 3, 2018, 29+2
Resources for NICU families
Someday your story will be part of someone's survival guide.
But for now, lean on those who have walked the road you're traveling.For families facing fertility issues or high-risk pregnancies
- Sidelines high-risk pregnancy support
- RESOLVE: National Infertility Association support group
- High-Risk pregnancy support [Facebook group]
- Fertility support [Facebook group]
If you have a specific medical condition that's impacting your pregnancy, search support groups for that condition. Hundreds of them exist, and it's great to have a safe place to ask questions and get advice, especially on tough days.
For NICU parents
- Project NICU [parent mentor program] [virtual support groups]
- Grahams Foundation support resources
- Project Sweet Peas NICU Support
- Hand to Hold NICU family resources
- March of Dimes family support
- NICU Moms [Facebook group]
- Beads of Courage NICU program
If you seek out therapy, look for therapists who specialize in high-risk pregnancy or birth trauma. Working with a therapist trained to teach you how to process the emotions that come along with this journey can change your life.
For parents of a medically fragile baby
- FBabies on oxygen at home [Facebook group]
- Exclusively pumping moms [Facebook group]
- Preemie parents club [Facebook group]
It can be helpful to search for groups based on birth gestation as well (ex; 28-29 weeker group). It's helpful to have access to a group of families who have preemies born around the same time and can relate to specific challenges you may be facing.
Preemie FAQs
Statistics from March of Dimes + VeryWell Family
10% of babies are born to soon
in the United States each year
1.4% of births from 2009 to 2019
resulted in babies with very low birth weights (≤ 3.33 lbs)
10% of premature babies
are born between 28 and 32 weeks gestation
Babies born at 25 weeks
have a 50% chance of survival; goes to 90% at 28 weeks
HOW THE BLOG WAS BORN
I wanted to provide an honest, raw mom's perspective on the experience of having a baby born too soon. The fact that it turned into kind of a memoir happened mostly by accident. I found writing therapeutic and realized it helped me heal as I processed my difficult introduction to parenthood.
Words tumbled onto the page as I grappled with my new status as a NICU battle-scarred mom, and I realized that thousands of other parents affected by premature births every year may also find our story healing. Initially, I thought about trying to publish our story but ultimately decided I want to share it in an accessible, cost-free way.
I want this blog to be safe place for families who feel isolated as they work to navigate and understand a world that so few can truly comprehend—and I keep it real. I talk about uncomfortable feelings that people typically don't talk about. These feelings make being a preemie parent such an isolating experience, and I hope that by sharing them with you, I can help you feel more understood and less alone.
Support my work
I planned to publish this blog as a book, but I ultimately decided to make it free and accessible to all. Money was tight for my family when my son was in the NICU.
If my story resonates with you and you want to support my NICU family outreach:
Message the author
Fill out the form to get in touch.
