Xander's Preemie Prints NICU Photo Shoot

Please enjoy Preemie Prints' families inspirational photos and consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. Preemie Prints support programs include NICU photography and NICU graduate photography (the gift of photography at no charge for a NICU family), the gift of handmade items, group events and meetings, information, and email support. Our mission is to connect parents and let them know they are not alone. 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 will help families remember how strong 
they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.

A note from a NICU Mom:

"My baby was born on January 24th. His name is Xander. He was 3lbs even 17 inches long. He was born at 32 weeks, but he had stopped growing at 30 weeks, so he was 2 weeks smaller than he should have been. 

Our journey in the NICU has been tough to say the least. My faith in God is the main thing that has gotten me through. We have had good days and bad days. I have had to just focus on the positive things and not be stressed to much. I thank God every day for all the love and support from the staff and from our friends and family. Without them I would be lost. The hardest thing was having to leave without my baby. You know in your head that he or she is in the best place for them, but in your heart it just feels wrong. It's not natural for a mother to leave her baby. But, it was what was best for him at the time. God had his healing hand on him the whole time."

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:

Ashley Diamond Seigert - College Station, TX

A note from Ashley:

"Little Xander was such a joy to photograph. Though he was born at just 32 weeks and had actually stopped growing at 30 weeks, Xander is very alert and aware of his surroundings. He is staying in the NICU to learn how to eat properly but is now growing and thriving. His brothers have not yet gotten to meet him, but their pictures keep him company in his crib and they can't wait for him to come home!

www.preemieprints.org 

Giving families treasured memories of their baby

Lovable Liam's NICU Grad Shoot

Please enjoy our inspirational photos and consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. Our programs include an online support group, the gift of photography, group events and meetings, information, and email support. Our mission is to connect parents and let them know they are not alone. We thank our supporters, volunteers, and donors for allowing us to touch the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families. 

We pray these special memories will help the parents to remember how strong they were in overcoming a crisis situation.

A note from Mom:

"Little Liam was born at 34 weeks and had trouble breathing at first.  He was quickly rushed to the NICU and put on oxygen.  But he showed them.  Even after taping the oxygen tubes down, Liam continued to pull them out just to prove he didn’t need them.  His next challenge was learning to eat.  This took a little longer, but finally he was able to put on some weight and come home.  Those days in the NICU were difficult for us, but we feel very fortunate to have had so much support and to eventually bring home our healthy little boy.  Each day he gets stronger and stronger and brings continual joy to my husband and me."

Volunteer Photographer:

Cassandra Chang - Orlando, FL

A note from Cassandra:

"Christine and Eduardo welcomed Liam at 33 weeks and after some time in NICU they shared him with me at 38 weeks after he was discharged.  Christine and Eduardo were still adapting to having baby Liam home and were sleep deprived but managed their session with such teamwork!  Baby Liam is going to be very lucky growing up in their home as his Daddy speaks Spanish and his Mommy was an ESOL teacher.  They had a few items that were made by family members which says tons about the love this little guy will get to experience!"

Handsome Logan's NICU Grad Shoot

Please enjoy our inspirational photos and consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. Our programs include an online support group, the gift of photography, group events and meetings, information, and email support. Our mission is to connect parents and let them know they are not alone. We thank our supporters, volunteers, and donors for allowing us to touch the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families. 

We pray these special memories will help the parents to remember how strong they were in overcoming a crisis situation.

A note from Mom:

"My son, Logan, was born on November 10, 2013 at 28 weeks gestations. He was a big baby weighing 3lbs 8ozs. The NICU journey is life changing. It is amazing to see a iving being that is so small, able to fight so hard. Do not be afraid rejoice the small accomplishments. Something as simple and ordinary as a poopie diaper is a big deal for a preemie."

Volunteer Photographer:

Ashley Meyer - Dayton, OH

A note from Ashley:

"Logan spent 73 days in the NICU after being born at 28 weeks gestation. He was 4 days old adjusted when I went for his newborn NICU graduation session. Logan was fighting sleep through the whole session but I still managed to get several good sleepy images as well as a few images of him awake. His mom Deanna and I were laughing because he refused to be in any other position than completely stretched out and he looked like a little man lounging around on a Saturday. He has a 12 year old big sister named Shelby and everyone is adjusting well and thankful to finally have him home."

Welcome New Photographer, Daneane!!

Please help us welcome volunteer photographer, Daneane! Daneane will be helping give the gift of photography to preemie and NICU families near Cincinnati, OH. 

Forget-Me-Not Photography

www.fmnpix.com
info@fmnpix.com

Service Area: Cincinnati, OH
Hospitals: Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Christ Hospital, Jewish Hospital, West Chester Hospital

About Daneane:

"I have always had a passion for photography and giving my clients a cherished keepsake makes me truly happy. I am thrilled to give the gift of precious memories to those overcoming the challenges of premature birth."

A little inspiration for today

Just wanted to write a quick post of encouragement for NICU families today. Preemie Prints mission is to share hope, and I think many of these little pictures, quotes, and sayings will do just that. As you sit in the NICU today with your baby please remember that we're out here praying for you and thinking about you. You're not alone. Please visit Preemie Prints anytime you need a little pick me up, anytime you'd like to read about another family's NICU journey, and much more. May the Lord give you the strength you need today to carry on and help you to remember that "this too shall pass". Be in the moment with your preemie or NICU baby - they need your comfort - they need to hear your voice - they need to feel your touch.

 

For this child I prayed & the Lord has given me what I asked of Him

1 Samuel 1:27 

Preemies are miracles!

 

Preemie moms are special!!

Untouchable mother and premature baby by TheMidnightOrange, $60.00

 

Older children may be very affected by the experience of having a new baby brother or sister who is born prematurely. Children are very sensitive to what is going on, and if you are concerned about the baby – even if you don’t talk openly about it – they may well be aware of this. Talk to your older children about your feelings. There are many wonderful books on the market for NICU siblings. Bring them to NICU family get together and meetings so they can meet other siblings going through similar experiences. Preemie Prints hosts NICU Hope Meetings in Bryan College Station and Houston and the meetings are family friendly!

 

There are many challenges to breastfeeding a baby in the NICU. Don’t be shy about letting the nurses know that you plan to breastfeed. Babies who are born early can’t always feed at the breast right away. Because of their small size and lack of muscle development, they may have a harder time latching on or staying latched on to the breast. Feedings can take longer than normal because of this. Hang in there, Mom, and don’t give up. If you need help, the hospital’s lactation director can provide great support. Read more here

 

The journey of a preemie or critically ill baby does not end when you walk out of the NICU. It often takes years for them to catch up to their peers, and they may never fully catch up. But it doesn't matter because they are miracles! 

Preemie Prints NICU Positioner & Gift Bundles

Pictured above is a sweet little guy using our Preemie Prints NICU Positioning Device. This item is beneficial to the health and healing of preemies and babies in the NICU because it simulates the warm comfort of the womb environment. The premature baby positioning device provides the boundaries a preemie needs and it also helps to protect baby from wires and other items. This device is filled with 100% medical grade plastic pellets and weighs about 1.5 to 2 lbs. The casing is made of soft warm fleece. Through this program we recommend that NICU nurses and doctors use 1 to 2 devices per baby. Once done we ask that they are returned to Preemie Prints! We then sanitize the beads and put them in a brand new fleece casing ready for the next premature baby or baby in the NICU. 

These devices are very beneficial to premature babies. Preemie Prints is so happy to be making a difference in the lives of so many by providing comfort, support, and protection for premature and critically ill infants in the hospital. Our NICU positioners provide a sense of containment and boundary lines for the premature infant; this supports their growth and development. 

You will find our NICU positioners currently in use at the following hospitals: 
Baylor Scott & White Hospital, College Station TX NICU
The College Station Medical Center, College Station, Tx NICU
St. Joseph's Hospital, Bryan, Tx NICU

Ways you can directly help a premature or critically ill baby
-Donate fleece by the yard or pre-cut to size
-Sew casings for positioners and mail them in to be filled. Email us for the size! 
-Host a "Cut & Sew Positioner Event" with your family, friends, church, youth, or organization group
-Host a fleece drive for Preemie Prints and collect donations of fabric  
-Attend a Preemie Prints Sewing Meeting - click on "events" on our Facebook page or email us for a list of upcoming dates.
-Make a donation to our organization 

Email: amber@preemieprints.org to get started
Donations can be mailed to 
Preemie Prints
2306 Kendal Green Circle 
College Station, Tx 77845

Individual families from across the US can request a positioning device gift bundle. This would also make a wonderful gift for a family in the NICU. Please make a $25 donation, to cover costs of packaging and shipping, and specify where you would like the NICU gift package mailed. Thank you so much for your support and we hope this gift bundle brings womb-like warmth, comfort, and safety to your preemie!

Precious Little Jordan's NICU Photo Shoot

Please enjoy our inspirational photos and consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. Our programs include an online support group, the gift of photography, group events and meetings, information, and email support. Our mission is to connect parents and let them know they are not alone. We thank our supporters, volunteers, and donors for allowing us to touch the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families. 

We pray these special memories will help the parents to remember how strong they were in overcoming a crisis situation.

A note from Mom:

“Jordan was born November 24^th, 2013 at 30 weeks pre-term. He weighed 2 lbs 2 ozs. Jordan was pre-diagnosed with Trisomy 18. We were not certain he would survive the pregnancy, let alone the birth. So when he was coming early we weren’t sure what to expect. But from the moment he was born, Jordan has been a miracle, all of his issues being preemie related and not Trisomy (so far). He continues to improve in the NICU and instead of planning a funeral; we are planning on when we get to bring him home. Every day is a blessing with our little man.”

Volunteer Photographer:

Jayde Figgins - St. Louis, MO

A note from Jayde:

"I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph little Jordan this morning!!! It was such a fun shoot! Jordan has such a wonderful mom and dad, I am so glad I was able to meet them. I feel so honored to have been give the chance to give Mom and Dad some wonderful memories from the NICU!"