Preemie Parent Power

If you have experienced a premature birth and have had a child in NICU please read on. I recently contacted Deb Discenza, co-author of "The Preemie Parent's Survival Guide to the NICU, How to Maintain Your Sanity & Create a New Normal."

I could have used this book 2.5 years ago when my twins were born at 32 weeks gestation. I am forever grateful to the March of Dimes and the staff at my hospital for supporting my husband and me during the time my little babies were in NICU. It was by far the scariest time of my life.

Deb and Nicole wrote this book to help other parents. If you don't have a medical background (and maybe even if you do) it's difficult to listen to and understand what the NICU doctors and nurses are telling you. You are overwhelmed with emotion and are just plain scared.

"The Preemie Parent's Survival Guide to the NICU" will help you understand and navigate the NICU and make it easier for you to do what's best for your child.

Here is a beautiful excerpt from "The Preemie Parent's Survival Guide to the NICU" by Nicole Conn and Deb Discenza that I found very touching:

• As you leave the NICU with your baby, realize that you are a changed person.
• You live life one day at a time because you understand that life can change in an instant.
• You understand that life is truly fragile because you have watched your baby struggle day in and day out.
• You are resilient because you know that to be your baby’s parent you have to bounce back from the trauma and focus on the moment and the joys within.
• You are strong in mind because you have handled a stressful situation and knew what to ask and how to help your baby.
• You are strong in body because you know that you have to take care of yourself to be the best parent you can be.
  
• You know the true meaning of joy because you have held your baby in your arms after wondering if that would ever be possible.
• You are an advocate for your baby and have talked with doctors and specialists with knowledge about your Preemie that no other parent can truly conceptualize.
• You are an advocate for yourself, making sure that you are clear with others in terms of what you want that is best for you and your family.
• You have the power to vocalize your requirements in terms of how your baby is handled in the real world.
  
• You stare down adversaries who refuse to wash hands at visits and believe that to be okay.
• You are capable of organizing more than you ever thought possible—daily routines, medical and therapeutic appointments, insurance matters—all while the rest of life continues at its feisty pace.
• You no longer let the small things bother you. You know what is and what is not worth worrying over.
• You understand that what you have been through has changed your life forever and that not everyone else will understand that.
  
• You have a new passion and a new reverence for all that life has to offer.
• You leap over all problems in an effortless bound—you truly are a supermom!
• You believe in gratitude and no longer take ANYTHING for granted.
• You believe in miracles. Your baby is one. And you helped make that happen.

To purchase this book or find out more

Visit Preemie World!