Massachusetts

Hi, everyone. I wanted to introduce myself to this board. I gave birth to 24 week triplets (Julia, Peter and Lucy) in 2001. Julia died shortly after her birth in the NICU, and Peter and Lucy are happy kids who have since been joined by a now 1 year old full term singleton brother, Teddy.

I cannot do a better job than my friend, Marla, did talking about Walkamerica so I won't repeat her earlier Feb 4 post welcoming everyone to walk. I will say, however, that the March of Dimes Massachusetts chapter has hired me to work on a temporary basis (until walk) helping Family Teams and that I am a resource for all of you. If you have any questions about walk, feel free to email me at kmarous@marchofdimes.com.

You guys are all heroes!

Kathryn (Marous)

Dear Community Members:

I am a doctoral student in Boston, MA currently conducting important research on the experience of fathers of premature infants. I would love to meet with fathers and learn about their experiences and the unique challenges they face. The information gathered may be used in the future to inform changes in policies, procedures, support services, and psychotherapeutic approaches for families with premature infants.

If you are interested in participating, or know someone who might be, please see the flyer below and contact me with any questions. Thanks so much.

Crystal

ATTENTION PREEMIE DADS!
Research is currently being conducted in the Boston area on the experience of fathers of premature infants. Your participation will include an interview and the completion of two short forms and will take approximately 75-90 minutes. The interview may take place in your home or at a mutually convenient private location. To participate, you must meet the following criteria:
• A father over the age of 21 who has had 1 or more children born full-term before becoming the father of a premature infant.
• Your baby was born between 25 and 35 weeks gestation.
• Your baby must have spent a minimum of 2 weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• You must be living in the same home as your baby and report actively participating in the care of your child including the activities of feeding, changing, bathing, and putting your baby to bed.
•Your baby must have been discharged from the NICU between 1 and 6 months prior to the interview.
•You should not have a current report of child maltreatment filed against you or involvement with the Department of Children and Families.
To participate, please email crystal_harvey@mspp.edu to confirm your eligibility and set up a time for an interview.