Did you know that the rate of premature birth in America is higher than that of most other developed nations. Or, how about premature birth is the number 1 killer of newborns? No? Well, read on…
One in eight babies born in our country is premature. That’s 543,000 babies born too soon each year, and my Little Miss T was one of them.
And, did you know that our nation scores a “D” when it comes to premature birth. Yes, you read that right, a “D”. You can see the nation map by clicking here. Click on each state to read that state’s report card.
The rate of premature birth has risen more than 30 percent since 1981. In half the cases, we simply don’t understand what went wrong. The March of Dimes is leading the fight for answers. And, ultimately, prevention.
When I was pregnant with Little Miss T, I never thought I would be a March of Dimes statistic or know the life of a NICU parent. I never thought my baby would have to fight to breathe or rely on machines to live. What happened to me was sudden, severe and god awful. I never want that to happen to any mother, family and especially to any other baby. All babies deserve to be born healthy.
On Wednesday, November 17, in recognition of the March of Dimes 8th Annual Prematurity Awareness Day, I will be joining other bloggers in the blogosphere to raise awareness and help fight prematurity. Won’t you join me?
During November, Prematurity Awareness Month, March of Dimes focuses the nation’s attention on the serious crisis of premature birth (birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy). A special Web site includes the 2010 state-by-state and national Premature Birth Report Cards, information on the importance of the last weeks of pregnancy, and ways you can help premature babies.
November 17 is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis. Take 3 steps to help fight premature birth:
1. Visit marchofdimes.com/fight.
2. Put a badge on your blog to help spread the word.
3. On November 17, blog for a baby you love and to help others.
We need to fight ― because babies shouldn’t have to.
It Feels Like Home 