#BornTooSoon - World Prematurity Day • Divas With A Purpose

World Prematurity Day is observed on November 17th of each year to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide.

According to the March of Dimes, a premature baby is one who is born too early, before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Premature babies can have more health problems and may need to stay in the hospital longer than babies born later. More than half a million babies are born prematurely each year in the United States.

My premature babies’ stories are far from heart-wrenching when I think of others who have and still are dealing with the short and long-term effects of premature births.

My oldest son was born at 30 weeks. My youngest son and daughter were kept put with progesterone shots, modified bed rest and lots of prayers.

In many countries, babies born at the same gestational period as my oldest son face many obstacles in their first days of life and, sadly, do not survive. According to the World Health Organization, preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths (babies in the first four weeks of life) and the second leading cause of death after pneumonia in children under five years.

In honor of World Prematurity Day Impatient Optimists is helping to bring attention to premature births and, especially, the impact it has in developing countries where access to the proper medical is often unavailable.

Please click here to read my oldest son’s story and why awareness for World Prematurity Day is near and dear to my heart.

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Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired

Friday 16th of November 2012

I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have a preemie. It's wonderful that your children did ok and I'm glad that you are bringing awareness to this important day of recognition.

Icar

Thanks for sharing these information! I can just imagine how it must have felt to delivered preemie, but glad that your kids survived. Prayer also is a powerful tool!

Jennifer S.

This is so scary. We have had a few premies in my family (not me, but aunts and uncles). I am glad to know about this organization.

Michelle Garrett

Thank you! Welcome :)

Emily @ Baby Dickey

What a great cause. I was very fortunate to carry both my babies post term, but have far too many friends with premature babies. <3 Thank you for sharing.