Resources

Preemie Mother's Oath

I have sat in the NICU and waited.
I have cried and prayed.
I have endured.

Like most things in life, the people who truly have appreciation are those who have struggled to attain their dreams.
I will notice everything about my child.
I will take time to watch my child sleep, explore and discover.
I will marvel at my surviving miracle every day for the rest of my life.

I will be happy when I wake in the middle of the night to the sound of my child, knowing that I can comfort, hold and feed him and that I am not waking to a nurse taking another temperature, an alarm going off, another round of meds or because I am crying tears for fear of the unknown.
I will be happy because my baby is alive and crying out for me.

I count myself lucky in this sense; that God has given me this insight, this special vision with which I will look upon my child that my friends will not see.

Whether I parent a preemie with physical challenges or medical issues, I will not be careless with my love.

I will be a better mother for all that I have endured. I am a better wife, a better aunt, a better daughter, neighbor, friend and sister because I have known pain.

I know disillusionment as I have been betrayed by my own body.

I have been tried by fire and hell many never face, yet given time, I stood tall.

I have prevailed.
I have succeeded.
I have won.

So now, when others hurt around me, I do not run from their pain in order to save myself discomfort. I see it, mourn it, and join them in theirs.

I listen.

And even though I cannot make it better, I can make it less lonely. I have learned the immense power of another hand holding tight to mine, of other eyes that moisten as they learn to accept the harsh truth and when life is beyond hard. I have learned a compassion that only comes with walking in those shoes.

I have learned to appreciate life.

Yes, I will be a wonderful mother.

- Author Unknown

Below is a list of resources that have helped me in my Mommy Journey. This list is far from complete. I will continue to add to it as our journey continues.

Life after NICU
"Life after NICU, a blog and online support forum for NICU parents, was founded in October 2011, by two moms (Kelly and Aimee) whose children were both hospitalized at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Illionois." They also have a support group with amazing members and infinite wisdom.

Papas of Preemies
"Many dads struggle with navigating the journey through NICU and beyond. While there are a number of support groups out there, none are catered to a dad's perspective." Papa's has a support group as well.

Preeclampsia Foundation
"The Preeclampsia Foundation is an empowered community of patients and experts, with a diverse array of resources and support to help you have the best possible pregnancy or to help you navigate the questions you'll have if you don't. We provide unparalleled support and advocacy for the people whose lives have been or will be affected by the condition - mothers, babies, fathers and their families.

We are steadfast in our resolve to improve diagnosis, management and prevention of preeclampsia through research  and improved health care practices."

The March of Dimes
Since 2003, our fight to save to save babies has been strongly characterized by our Prematurity Campaign. The rising incidence of premature birth has demanded action, and the March of Dimes has responded by initiating an intensive multi-year campaign to raise awareness and find the cause of prematurity.