Prematurity Awareness Month 2007

As a new NICU Family Support Specialist, and a past volunteer .... I was very excited yesterday to see how Preemie Awareness Day activities would turn out. Beautiful! I am so SO happy with the results.

At the hospital I work at:

brochures highlighting-

the support project

important work March of Dimes has helped fund

SHARE were handed out to families

pink or blue fleece blankets were given to parents to knot at their baby's bedside (no sew)

a large Prematurity Awareness Day cake (with adorable pink and blue booties covering it) was set out in the lobby between labor and delivery and the NICU for parents and staff

March of Dimes awareness ribbons were given to hospital staff in the NICU, L&D, and in the High Risk Unit

Last night at the capitol we had a Roll Call ceremony:
(the capitol's top lights were pink and blue)

our ambassador read a poem & then called out the names of families including important statistics

our background was small poster sized pictures of Oklahoma Preemies submitted to participate in ceremony (One NICU picture and One current)

I requested parents donate their beautiful pictures to use as powerful visuals during speaking commitments (everyone attending found another staff person or myself afterwards and asked to donate) We brought consent forms.

There was a small reception afterwards

I really enjoyed all of the activities. Yesterday, I had the amazing opportunity to support parents currently in the NICU, providing them with refreshment and bedside projects. And then I had the heartwarming chance to honor and remember Oklahoma's preemies at the state capitol.

My two worlds were brought together. Being the mother of 3 surviving quadruplets born at 25 weeks, and being a staff person who supports parents who are currently going through what possibly is their most traumatic life experience ... The NICU.

How uplifting and joyful! I hope everyone had a beautiful Preemie Awareness Day!

Hugs & Health,

Melissa

My husband and I are wearing our pink and blue bands, as well as talking about it and showing off pictures of him. Even without the bands we constantly amaze people, when we tall them that our son was A POUND AND A HALF when he came at 29 weeks! Now 10 he just finished in a special needs soccer league, and has the trophy to prove it!

I was wondering how one gets involved with the NICU Family Support
Committee.

Is this something that one can do online?

This sound like something where I could be of help.





Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS

NICU Parent Support Site - http://www.NicuParentSupport.org

NICU Parent Support Blog - http://nicuparentsupport.blogspot.com

On Squidoo http://www.squidoo.com/nicuparentsupport/

Hi Kirsti,
I think that is wonderful that you would like to be on a NICU Family Support committee. With your medical background, I'm sure you would be a great asset.

The March of Dimes does have a NICU Family Support program. I believe that all positions are paid staff positions. Here is a link for more info. click here I'm not sure if there is volunteer advisory counsel.

Many of the parents here at Share volunteer at their local NICU. You can get in touch with your local chapter and see if they have such a program.

If I hear anything different, I will certainly e-mail you with what I find.

Thank you so much for your interest.

Karen

Hi Momdoc,

Thanks for your interest!

Most NICU Family Support sites have a committee called a CNAC, made up of volunteers and led by a March of Dimes' paid staff member. These committees are a great way to give back and get involved in your local hospital.

You can go to www.marchofdimes.com and put in your zip code to learn more about volunteer opportunities in your area.

I hope this helps - and thank you for your volunteerism!

Best,
Darcy

can you e-mail me any info on the march of dime I have a premie.She is still in the nicu,I have no info what so ever.THANK YOU.

I am not sure what specific info you're looking for - but you may want to contact your local chapter for information on specifically what is available in your area. You can find your local chapter by going to the March of Dimes site and entering your zip code in the box in the top, right corner. The address, phone number and an e-mail address of your local chapter will be listed there.

Take care, hoping Angie-Lee is doing well!

Kara