Just before Christmas I was sent a really charming story entitled Jolly Old St. NICU from one of our Dads along with some great photos it is currently on the PreemieCare site and I hope that you enjoy it! http://www.preemiecare.org/jollynicu.htm
I am sorry I did not share this with you before now. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did and would love to hear from other MOST / PreemieCare families and professionals on their experiences in the NICU and what they would like to see available for families (and their relatives and friends) to have available online in order to help them through this experience and to support them as they leave and thrive outside of the NICU.
I am ALWAYS looking for parents and professionals who would like to become more involved in developing this website as a sort of clearinghouse of information, resources and support for families, organizations and professionals associated with babies born preterm. If you think you might be interested in taking on a leadership role as PreemieCare continues to grow in this coming year please let me know- I would love your input and help. There are plenty of ways you can contribute!
Thanks and I hope to hear from you again soon!
Happy New Year to All!!
Starting the New Year Healthy: Protecting your newborn from complications of RSV
In early autumn I had the opportunity to participate in a telephone press briefing regarding Preemies and the upcoming RSV season: how parents could prepare and what they should know in advance. Now that we are smack in the middle of the cold, flu, RSV season (otherwise known as WINTER!) it may be a good time for those of us who are in contact with newborns (in particular babies born preterm) to review ways we can help protect our precious infants against RSV.
For answers to frequently asked questions about RSV go to: http://www.preemiecare.org/rsvfaq.htm
To learn more about the press briefing and additional information on RSV you may want to visit www.lungprotection.com
The list below is from www.lungprotection.com
If you have ANY questions regarding your preterm infant, RSV or additional resources please do not hesitate to contact us either through our websites: www.PreemieCare.org or www.MOSTonline.org or by calling the number listed below.
Thanks, Maureen
Ten Ways to Help Protect Your Premature Baby Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Always wash your hands before holding your child, and insist that others do, too.
- Wash your baby’s toys, clothes, play areas and bedding often.
- Do not share personal items (pacifiers, cups, forks, spoons, towels, washcloths).
- Minimize
your preemie’s exposure to the virus by keeping him or her away
from:
Anyone with a cold or “flu-like” illness - yourself, caregivers, siblings and strangers
Brothers and sisters, especially if they have a runny nose, cold or fever, or attend day care or school
Crowded areas, such as shopping centers and restaurants
Group day care situations during RSV season - Never let anyone smoke around the baby.
- Call
your pediatrician right away if your preemie:
Develops a cold
Has fast breathing or breathing problems, wheezing, worsening cough, or blue appearance around the mouth or fingernails (a sign of low oxygen levels in the blood)
Develops a fever of more than 100.4°F in the first three months, more than 101°F between 3 and 6 months, or more than 103°F after 6 months - Ask your doctor about Synagis® (palivizumab), a medication injected monthly during fall and winter to prevent severe RSV infection in high-risk children. (See below for important information about Synagis.)
- If hospitalized during RSV season, talk to your health care professional about your preemie receiving a Synagis dose during his or her hospital stay or 48 to 72 hours before discharge, and a follow-up shot every 30 days until RSV season ends.
- If your baby has an RSV infection, make sure he or she gets plenty of rest and drinks lots of clear fluids.
- Ask
your doctor about getting an annual influenza vaccine for your high-risk
infant (beginning at 6 months of age) and all close contacts.
Reprinted with permission from: www.lungprotection.com
Please consider sharing your family’s story: This is My Preemie- We have come a long way!
We are currently compiling Newborn and Current photos- (once a preemie always a preemie in a mother’s heart) for our photo page.
“I see my trio- all taller than me now- and in a heart beat I can envision our NICU experience.” In a moment, a mother’s heart can be transported back.
We ask that you consider sharing your preemie’s (your family’s) story on where you have been and where you are today! Please send your comments to and photos (3 photos maximum per email) to info@preemiecare.org
THAT WAS THEN... BUT THIS IS NOW!!
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(read this family’s story http://www.preemiecare.org/photopage.htm)
We
hope to hear from you soon!