Please enjoy Preemie Prints' families’ inspirational story & photos.
Consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families.
We pray these special memories from Preemie Prints
will help families heal and remember how strong
they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.
A NICU STORY | THOUGHTS FROM MOM
“Chauncey Williams was born on November 14, at 25 weeks old. He
was 1 lb, 13 ounces and 14 inches long. He is struggling with underdeveloped
lungs, but otherwise is stable and progressing. He remarkably was born via en
caul C section, where he was delivered still in the amniotic sac. Sadly, we
have no pictures!! :(
This is our second time in the NICU, and oddly enough, it is a
less stressful experience, because we understand a lot more about the process.
We have been blessed with fighters; both our boys are feisty and have been born
with minimal issues, really just dealing with what comes with prematurity. I'm
able to ask the right questions, understand more in depth what is happening,
and be more involved in the process. However, it is very difficult being out of
work way earlier than anticipated, having to pump regularly and not bond over
nursing for up to 2 months, not hold or really touch my son because he is so
small, and now that I have a toddler, trying to juggle motherhood.
I guess my advice would be to try and anticipate anything when you
first get pregnant, sign up for short term disability at work/privately, save a
small "pregnancy" fund, that is at least a few paychecks, and try to
pay monthly bills a little in advance. That way, if a preterm labor happens,
you don't have the added stress of unpaid bills. Both times we had no money
saved and no short-term disability, and it has placed an extreme stress on our
lives, needing assistance from friends and family to survive. I also encourage
you to spend every moment with your child, anything the nurses do that isn't
blood work or something, you are allowed to do. Changing diapers, washing,
holding the bottle for feeds, and so on, are always things you can do instead
of watching them do it. Never pass up a chance for bonding with your baby! Also
don't be afraid to question or clarify something. Don't take for granted that
your child needs supplemental formula if you are producing well, or extra
antibiotics, or so on, ask the doctor questions to be fully educated on any
decision they make about your child.”
“The Williams family is nothing short of amazing; I was able to meet up with them at NICU where
Chauncey was up to 6lb 4oz and on open air as he prepared to go home. As Rachel was going over his daily and
overnight info with the nurse they were discussing going home soon, which was
probably exciting news for Mom and Dad but also Big (2 year old) Brother,
Carmelo (who while a trooper was a two year old confined in NICUs close family
quarters). Mom and Dad were tag teaming
an active Two Year Old, Checking leads on Chauncey, and speaking with rounds
doc with such ease that when they get home it should look like a piece of cake
(I guess you become a PRO when Dad is a Cancer survivor and Big Brother was
also a Preemie).”
Photos belong to our volunteer photographers, families,
and organization please do not use for any purpose.
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Preemie Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request from can be found on the right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 100 volunteers nationwide. We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 400 NICU family sessions.
This was a Preemie Prints NICU graduate photography session that took place near Orlando, FL.
We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.
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