January 2012 - Preemie Prints Upcoming Meetings

Upcoming meeting dates are set we hope to see you there! Please RSVP by emailing amber@preemieprints.org

1/12 - Sewing & Craft Meeting St. Joseph Health System, Bryan Tx 6-8pm
1/20 - NICU H.O.P.E. Meeting The Med, College Station Tx 6-8pm
1/21 - NICU H.O.P.E. Meeting RMH, Temple Tx 12-2pm

Preemie Prints NICU Grad Photo Shoot: Baby Olivia

Our organization with our volunteers, is so blessed to be able to give these amazing gifts to so many families. Please enjoy some inspiration from the NICU. We pray this baby girl is home soon. 

A note from Olivia's mom: 

Olivia was born in Rochester NY at only 23 weeks/3 days and weighed 1 pound 2 ounces. She spent 131 days in the NICU before discharge. 

When asked to describe her NICU journey a little bit she said it was a long physically, emotionally draining roller coaster ride. That they had good days and bad days, but thanks to the wonderful nurses and neonatologists their little girl was given great care. 

Volunteer Photographer: Carla Schuyler - Clyde, NY

A note from our volunteer:

"Baby O has a remarkable story. Her mother was 20 weeks pregnant when her water broke. The doctors came in and told her to prepare for a stillbirth and that they would prepare the medication. Of course, the parents were devastated. A nurse that they consider their guardian angel came in and told them that there was hope and gave them a chance to think about whether or not to go ahead with the pregnancy termination. They decided to try to wait it out and the neonatal fellow came in and did an ultrasound and determined there was more amniotic fluid than they expected. The attending physician was consulted and though they said there was a chance, they gave all the statistics as to the bad outcomes that were likely. But these parents had faith and decided to try to keep the baby baking. They were able to hold off delivery for 3 more weeks and Baby O was born at 23 weeks and 3 days. She spent 100+ days in the NICU. (I want to say that mom said 132 days, but I could be off as I was only taking mental notes as she shared their story.) Surely God was watching over this sweet baby! Just look at how perfect she is!"

Visit Carla's blog to see a few more pictures and read more! 

http://carlascandids.blogspot.com/2011/12/baby-o-little-preemie-prints-miracle.html

And now the beautiful pictures. These pictures are property of Preemie Prints, our volunteer photographers, and our families. Please do not use for any purpose. 

Stressed Vs. Stable Chart

Here is a handy little chart to tell when you baby is stressed or feeling comfortable! Sometimes it can be hard to tell but as you get better at reading your babies cues your baby will respond better and feel relaxed. Babies in relaxed states are growing and developing properly. Feel free to print and keep this little chart to use in the NICU.

NICU Photo Shoot: Baby Eriyan

Our organization with our volunteers, is so blessed to be able to give these amazing gifts to so many families. Please enjoy some inspiration from the NICU. We pray this baby girl is home soon. 

A note from Eriyian's mom: 

"My little girl, Eryian, was born September 8th 2011 with Gastroschisis. A birth defect that causes the intestines and other organs form on the outside of the stomach. She has had some comlications and just had her 5th surgery a couple days ago. Shes 2 months old now and will be in the NICU for another few months."

Volunteer Photographer: Amber Collier

A note from our volunteer: 

"What an incredibly beautiful family. It was such a very special gift to get to witness the love and strength that is holding this young family together. They have already traveled down a very difficult road and have faced so many ups and downs, yet the hope in their eyes is awe inspiring. Eriyan is one of the strongest baby girls I have had the pleasure to meet. What a beautiful Christmas blessing. " 

And now the beautiful pictures. These pictures are property of Preemie Prints, our volunteer photographers, and our families. Please do not use for any purpose. 

Breaking News - Premature Birth December 14, 2011

A team of investigators of the National Institutes of Health housed at the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) and Wayne State University (WSU) published TODAY that performing a cervical ultrasound in all pregnant women and treating those with a short cervix with vaginal progesterone reduces the rate of preterm birth and neonatal complications. Please share around!

Read the full article here:

http://www.istockanalyst.com/business/news/5597471/major-new-international-study-shows-the-effectiveness-and-safety-of-vaginal-progesterone-in-the-prevention-of-preterm-birth

This is a welcome finding for the world of premature birth and may have a very large impact in reducing the over 500,000 premature births in the US per year.

Preemie Prints NICU Photo Shoot: Amelia & Audrey

Our organization with our volunteers, is so blessed to be able to give these amazing gifts to so many families. Please enjoy some inspiration from the NICU. We pray these baby girls are home soon!

A note from the twins mom: 
"We have twin girls both in the nicu. they have a unique story of their own becuase they were born on different days in different hospitals in different states. Amelia was born on October 1, 2011 and Audrey was born on October 6, 2011. They are beautiful little girls! We have been in the NICU since our first daughter was born. Her sister joined her in the NICU 5 days later. We have our ups and downs. Amelia has been off and now back on the CPAP machine and Audrey is on the high flow nasal canula. We still have about 2 months for sure to go and possibly more."

Volunteer Photographer: Erica Linegar

A note from our volunteer: 
"what an amazing family they are beaming with love for their two miracle babies. Their story is like none other I have ever heard and their strength and determination is inspiring. Amelia and Audrey are such angels on earth. They are definitely completely different...from their hair color to their personalities. I was so blessed to have met them all and to be able to give them such a gift. Like I told Kim, although their feet are tiny, they have forever left a footprint on my heart." 

And now the beautiful pictures. These pictures are property of Preemie Prints, our volunteer photographers, and our families. Please do not use for any purpose. 

Premature Baby News 12/8/11

http://acogpresident.org/2011/12/08/drop-in-cesareans-teen-births-premature-babies-welcome-news/

The CDC recently released preliminary 2010 data on births in the US and there’s good news. For starters, preterm births declined for the fourth straight year. Although the rate is still high, it’s clear that progress is being made in preventing premature births.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/dec/08/county-honors-emts-for-assisting-birth-of/?local

What an inspiring story! Two emergency responders received special recognition from the Hamilton County Commission for an extraordinary birth -- the successful July 31 delivery of a baby weighing less than a pound!!!

http://www.14news.com/story/16217452/stress-early-in-pregnancy-linked-to-fewer-baby-boys

THURSDAY, Dec. 8 (HealthDay News) -- A stressful early pregnancy could lower a woman's odds for delivering a boy and raise her risk for premature delivery, a new study suggests.

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-12-babies-born-weeks-fare.html

(Medical Xpress) -- Only 71 per cent of babies born between 32 and 36 weeks are successful in key stage 1 (KS1) tests (defined as achieving at least level 2 in reading, writing and maths), compared to 79 per cent of babies born at full term (37-41 weeks).

Wow! December 8th is a big day for preemie news. Check out news stories here all pertaining to prematurity, the NICU, and the health of preemies. Have a blessed day! 

Partners: The College Station Med

Preemie Prints is a non-profit organization sharing hope through information and support from families who have babies born prematurely or with serious health issues and must be in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). By connecting past and present families through virtual and face to face outlets Preemie Prints is making the NICU journey better.

The Preemie Prints NICU Support Group

Meets the first Friday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Executive Boardroom (1st floor of main entrance) at The Med. This is an informal, peer-based group connecting past and present NICU families in a hope filled positive atmosphere. Dinner is always provided by a local sponsor. Family members are also welcome. Current NICU families will receive a NICU gift bag containing information, restaurant gift cards, and other items for mom & baby! For more information, contact Amber Collier at (979) 635-0825 or e-mail amber@preemieprints.org or visit www.preemieprints.org.

http://www.csmedcenter.com/Women/Pages/Preemie%20Prints.aspx

Sharing HOPE with those suffering the loss of miscarriage

These are my footprints, 
so perfect and so small. 
These tiny footprints 
never touched the ground at all. 
Not one tiny footprint, 
for now I have wings. 
These tiny footprints were meant 
for other things. 
You will hear my tiny footprints, 
in the patter of the rain. 
Gentle drops like angel's tears, 
of joy and not from pain. 
You will see my tiny footprints, 
in each butterflies' lazy dance. 
I'll let you know I'm with you, 
if you just give me the chance. 
You will see my tiny footprints, 
in the rustle of the leaves. 
I will whisper names into the wind, 
and call each one that grieves. 
Most of all, these tiny footprints, 
are found on Mommy and Daddy's hearts. 
'Cause even though I'm gone now, 
We'll never truly part." 

"They say that time in heaven is compared to 'the blink of an eye' for us on this earth. Sometimes it helps me to think of my child running ahead of me through a beautiful field of wildflowers and butterflies; so happy and completely caught up in what she is doing that when she looks behind her, I'll already be there." 

"I know I'll see the sun shine bright 
upon my baby's face.... 
When I finally get to heaven, 
all my pain will be erased. 

We'll soar the skies together, 
as angels two by two. 
We'll have a sweet reunion, 
this mother's dream come true!" 

"Daddy please don't look so sad,momma please don't cry. 
Cause I'm in the arms of Jesus, and he sings me lullabies. 
please try not to question God, don't think he is unkind. 
Don't think he sent me to you and then changed his mind. 
You see I'm a special child, I am needed up above. 
I'm the special gift you gave Him, a product of your love. 
I'll always be there with you, so watch the sky at night. 
Look for the brightest star and know that's my halo's brilliant light. 
You'll see me in the morning frost that mists your window pane. 
That's me in the summer showers, I'll be dancing in the rain. 
When you feel a gentle breeze from a gentle wind that blows. 
Know that it's me planting a kiss upon your nose. 
When you see a child playing and your heart feels a tug, 
Don't be sad mommy, that's just me giving your heart a hug. 
So daddy don't looks so sad and momma please don't cry. 
I'm in the arms of Jesus and he sings me lullabies!"

My little one
You have left us too soon
Though my body can no longer hold you
I hold you forever in my heart
As precious and beautiful as this flower caught in time
A mother's love does not forget 

What Makes a Mother? - Author Unknown
I thought of you and closed my eyes and prayed to God today.
I asked, ’What makes a Mother?’ and I know I heard Him say,
A mother has a baby, this we know is true,
But God, can you be a mother when your baby’s not with you?
Yes you can, He replied, with confidence in His voice
I give many women babies, when they leave is not their choice.
Some I send for a lifetime, others for a day
And some I send to feel your womb, but there’s no need to stay.
I just dont understand this Lord, I want my baby here!
He took a breath and cleared His throat and then I saw a tear,
I wish the I could show you what your child is doing today,
If you could see your child smile with the other children and say.
’We go to earth to learn our lessons of love and life and fear,
My mummy loved me oh so much I got to come straight here.
I feel so lucky to have a mum who had so much love for me,
I learned my lessons very quickly, my mummy set me free.
I miss my mummy oh so much, but I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep, on her pillow’s where I lay,
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear,
Mummy don’t be sad today, I’m your baby and I’m here’.
So you see, my dear sweet one, your children are ok,
Your babies are here in my home, and this is where they’ll stay.
They’ll wait for you with me, until your lesson’s through,
And on the day I call you home they’ll be at the gates for you.
So now you know what makes a mother.
It’s the feeling in your heart,
Its the love you had so much of, right from the very start.
Though some on earth may not realise until their time is done,
Remember all the love you have,
And you ARE a special mum!

_________________________________________________________

We hope you find this compilation of quotes, stories, and poems inspiring and hope filled. Facing the loss of a baby through  miscarriage is extremely difficult, and although it may not seem like much reading other peoples stories, quotes, or poems can aid in your grieving. If there are anymore quotes or stories about the loss of a baby through miscarriage that you would like to see added to this list please leave a comment below. God bless! 

~Amber