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I just recently started working with March of Dimes. My daughter in 02/07/2009 was born @ 24 weeks weighing in 1lb 8ozs, measured 13 1/2 inches long.
Thank God she had less problems than usual premature babies have. For instance, she didn't have brain hemorrhage but she did have heart murmur which needed to be closed twice. On the 2nd treatment, she was fine. Her lungs were undeveloped. She was on a ventilator for over 2 months and was on extra machinery which gave her extra 460 breaths per minute. Due to her being on the ventilator for so long, she has BPD which is severe damaged to her lung tissues. But the doctors say that once she turns 7 years old, it'll heal by itself. The doctors recommended steroids to strengthen her lungs due to the time spend of her being in the ventilator for so long, but of course there was side effects, as they explained. There's risks of neonatal problems, she'll probably be slow in learning.
I prayed and believed also had the biggest faith ever to let go and let GOD! God had a reason for her to go through this experience. We don't understand as of yet but we will soon.
Well she was in NICU for 4 months in total, after that, she came home with a cannula which she was on for about a month and 10 days. Now she's a typical 3 year old who knows her colors, shapes, alphabets, numbers and many other things that amazes my family and I and also everyone who encounters her. She's been a tremendous blessing in our lives. She goes to her follow up specialists and so far so good. There's minor issues like she doesn't have strength in one leg which we are hoping to work hard with it this summer.
God has been faithful to our family and we see His glory on my miracle daughter.
She's been a blessing to all who encounters her as well.
 

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I have photos of when she was born and now, how can I upload these photos?

Hi Cathy,

I know what you are going through, my daughter was born at 24 weeker, 1lb 8ozs and measured 13 1/2 inches long, and her poor tiny lungs were undeveloped and she was on ventilator for 2 months and on the 2nd month, she was on the Jet machine. They even gave her steroids and mentioned that there was side effects to it, but the FAITH in God was so strong by that time that it went through one ear and out the other. I let Go and let GOD do His work!
God has reasons why we go through these situations, but as long as you keep your Faith on Him, there's no one or nothing will stand in His way!!!!!

She was in the NICU for 4 months, and I thank my daughter's nurses, doctors and staff that helped us through this tough emotional roller coaster time! Every 2 months, we go and see the nurses and the doctors so they can see how big she's getting. They really appreciate it when the babies go back to the NICU to see their progressions!!!

My prayers go out to you and your little one!!!! They are definitely are true fighters.

Welcome to Share and congrats on your daughter! You two have been through so much! I am happy to hear that she is healthy!

Katie

Hello and welcome to Share! I'm glad to hear that she is doing well and the doctors are hopeful that she will outgrow her lung problems in a few years! It sounds like you've got one tough little girl on your hands! I'd love to hear more about her!
Stacy

I'm Shawron. I'm 24 wks pregnant with my second child that has duodenal atresia and will have surgery most likely the day after she is born.

I'm very thankful to have found this site. My heart goes out to those that have lost a child/children.

Hello everyone! Im very new to the March of Dimes.

My name is Clairissa Brown, I turn 21 in 3 days and I have three wonderful children. I have been married to my husband for five years this December. Although our story is two years old I would love to share our story with our second child.

Aiden was born on 3/17/10. Our St. Pattys Day Gift He weighed in at 3lbs 13oz at 31weeks. He was the size of my best friends hand and we loved him so much. He was such a fighter from day 1. He spent 29 days in the hospital and we saw him almost everyday(we also had a 1 year old.). Today he is 2 years old. And is now a Big brother himself to a little sister who was born a couple weeks early herself. We are so blessed with our children and I wish I could help others get through this tough time. GOD IS GOOD!!!

Hello. My name is Robin and my husband and I welcomed our baby boy Brayden on March 29. Despite an uncomplicated pregnancy, during delivery Brayden aspirated amniotic fluid which caused his lungs and circulatory system to fail to convert from fetal functions upon birth. As such he was without oxygen for several minutes. I barley saw him for 30 seconds as the team of specialists rushed him to another hospital, Sunrise Childrens in Las Vegas, for cooling therapy in an attempt to save his life as well as preserve his brain and other organs from further damage. Brayden survived the critical day 5-6 milestone and is progressing well. We are still waiting to find out if his brain or other organs suffered permenant damage. However, he finally had the ventilator and most of his IVs removed yesterday so we finally got to hold him for the first time today! We still have a long way to go but are so grateful for the progress made!

Welcome to Share, Shawron! This is such a great site for support, keep us posted on your little girl!!!

Clairissa-I am so happy to hear that your little guy is doing so well after an early start!

Robin-That is great news that Brayden is off the vent of most of his IVs!!! Keep us posted on his progress!!!

Katie

Shawron: Hello and welcome to Share! I'm so sorry for your daughter's prenatal diagnosis of DA, I'm sure you are so scared for what the future will bring. So glad that you've found us, there's a great community here with many people that have walked this path before you. Many hugs!

Clairissa: Hello and welcome to Share! That's so wonderful to hear that Aiden and his little sister are doing fabulously despite their early arrivals! I look forward to reading more about your little fighters!

Robin: Hello and welcome to Share! Oh goodness, that sounds like a very scary start for your son Brayden! I'm so glad that the doctors were quick in action to give him the best chance possible. What a sweet moment that was holding Brayden for the first time, a moment you will forever remember! Keep us posted on his progress when you can!

Helllooooo!!! its me ESMIE again.. im back!!!! so my miracle baby is now 9 months.. and he is big and healthy and so active... just a great baby... so now im going for my second full term baby... im now 19 weeks preggo.. and ITS A GIRL:)!!!.. had my cerclage already at 14 weeks.. started my P17 shots yesterday and had a very theral scan yesterday aswell..and according to my DR... all looks great... so yes very happy camper here!! and here we go to full term!!!! have a great day everyone... hi stacy.. hi jackie...

Welcome back! Thanks for the update, glad things are going well!

Katie

Hey Esmie, welcome back!! I can't believe your little guy is already 9 months old!! Congrats on a little girl this time!! Praying for a full 40 weeks for this little one!!
Stacy

Hello! New here- just posted our "short story" (aka- ramblings of our story)... hoping to connect with other families who can relate. Especially as we consider the future- how can you put your heart back out there and take a chance on another baby in the future, knowing the risks of going through the same complications? Just trying to sort out if I would ever want to take that chance again, while thoroughly savoring every moment we have with our beautiful baby boy

Hi everyone! Just joined the site today and trying to navigate my way through everything. My first baby boy has been in the NICU for 3 weeks and was born at 27 weeks. I look forward to meeting new people as well as providing support to those in need of it...together we will make it through!

Welcome to Share! We are glad you found us here! This is a great site to find support during and after your NICU stay.

Katie

HI my name is stacey and i have a son here. I am looking for som help you can e-mail me at bhotladyintown@aol.com

Welcome to Share, Stacey! I would love to hear more about your story!

Katie

Hi! I am ready this is day four I gave birth to Kennedy Joi April 14@11:56am at 24 weeks. It has been a whirlwind of days and moments so I solicit all encouragement and shares about 24 weekers. Glad to have this resource. I believe in miracles and expect one each day with Kennedy Joi.

Welcome to Share and congrats on Kennedy Joi! The NICU is such a roller coaster of emotions. We are glad you found us here, keep us posted on her progress!

Katie

Hello and welcome to Share! Congratulations on the birth of Kennedy, what a pretty name! I'm so glad that you have found Share so early into your NICU journey, and hope that you are able to find the much needed support and information that you need here. I look forward to reading more about your precious fighter! Hugs!
Stacy

Clairissa, Welcome to share! My bday is 3/17 as well and you are so right...

God is Good!!

Thanks for sharing your story,
Love and Light,
Liz

Hi Mel, welcome to Share! Please keep us updated when you can of your sweet baby boy.

Love and light,
Liz

I'm Jessica and had twins at 36 weeks. Ones left eye didn't develop and other ones ok. Been a roller coaster of emotions

Welcome to Share, Jessica! I would love to read more about your kiddos!

Katie

I posted a short story "braydens eye" we go back in five months to get fitted for prosthetic eye. Dr says hes doing fie otherwise. His twin bryson is fine and I have a six yr old son thats also fine. Just trying to find as much help as possible for brayden

Hello to everyone,
I'm a mom to a 28weeker, who's now 15months old.
I'm interested to see what this website/community has to offer.

Hello and welcome to Share! I look forward to reading more about your little fighter! Share is an amazing place, there are blogs and short stories you can post and respond to, as well as a parent to parent section you can post questions and answer others! They're just a short click or two away at the top blue bar of options!
Stacy

I am a mom of a 28 weeker, Maddox who past away December 26, 2011. Lisa

Hello Lisa and welcome to Share.

So sorry to hear of Maddox.

Please know you are in the right place. Many of us understand exactly what you are going through. I personally lost my son who was a 24 weeker.

Please keep coming back, this place is a blessing to me, and I hope it will be for you, too.

Love and Light,
Liz

Check out our new uber awesome March for Babies Team Spotlight
http://www.shareyourstory.org/webx/.efa5b2e/0

And you'll wanna wear shades to check out our super bright April Shining Star!
http://www.shareyourstory.org/webx/.efa5b2a