His Middle Name has waited all year long to celebrate such a hallowed day, and tomorrow it will finally be here! November 17, 2012 marks the second International World Prematurity Day - a day when the world's attention is focused on the growing problem of premature birth. Yes, growing. Sadly, the numbers don't lie: 15 million babies worldwide are born too soon each year, and here in the United States that's one out of every eight babies that are born before 37 weeks. That means within my family and circle of friends, and yours too, that there's a great likelihood that we know a few preemies and preemie parents! And with premature birth being the number one killer of newborns, it's time to raise awareness by educating mothers to be and advocating for the tiniest babies. A day like World Prematurity Day is a great start, isn't it?
In 2003, the March of Dimes launched the Prematurity Campaign to address the prematurity crisis and help families have full-term, healthy babies. Prematurity Awareness Month, and in turn World Prematurity Day, was a natural progression of that campaign. If you keep up with the blog and know the reason behind why Sutton was born premature, then you know why I've been pushing for months for His Middle Name to expand it's mission as well. His Middle Name has always advocated for the tiniest fighters, and now it's time to do the same for the women that carry these precious babies! So for World Prematurity Day, I want to share two initiatives from the Prematurity Campaign that mirror the goals of His Middle Name. First, I am sharing the annual Premature Birth Report Card, which helps each state understand their own rate of premature birth. You can review your state's "report card" and see where your state stacks up in the fight against preterm birth. The second initiative, Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait (HBWW), helps educate expectant mothers and healthcare providers about preventable preterm birth, with a focus on reducing elective deliveries before 39 weeks gestation. Along with proper prenatal care and staying healthy mentally and emotionally during pregnancy, educating one's self about the dangers of elective preterm birth can be empowering and clear up any previous social misconceptions. By selecting the links below you can learn more.
As a tribute to all the sweet babies born too soon, and to those who have lost their life in the struggle to survive, His Middle Name will be posting pictures on the Facebook page of all national and international landmarks that will be lighting it up purple in honor of this special day! I know it's a small gesture, but in this season of giving, posting pictures for all the His Middle Name friends and fans to see and share is important in raising awareness. There's something about seeing it displayed on that big of scale that really hits the message home - to see how far reaching and global premature birth truly is. To all the preemie parents, their family members and NICU staff - I hope you enjoy this special day by wearing your purple, lighting a candle in remembrance or simply taking some time for yourself with your little one and reflecting on the miracle of life. Happy World Prematurity Day 2012!!!
In 2003, the March of Dimes launched the Prematurity Campaign to address the prematurity crisis and help families have full-term, healthy babies. Prematurity Awareness Month, and in turn World Prematurity Day, was a natural progression of that campaign. If you keep up with the blog and know the reason behind why Sutton was born premature, then you know why I've been pushing for months for His Middle Name to expand it's mission as well. His Middle Name has always advocated for the tiniest fighters, and now it's time to do the same for the women that carry these precious babies! So for World Prematurity Day, I want to share two initiatives from the Prematurity Campaign that mirror the goals of His Middle Name. First, I am sharing the annual Premature Birth Report Card, which helps each state understand their own rate of premature birth. You can review your state's "report card" and see where your state stacks up in the fight against preterm birth. The second initiative, Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait (HBWW), helps educate expectant mothers and healthcare providers about preventable preterm birth, with a focus on reducing elective deliveries before 39 weeks gestation. Along with proper prenatal care and staying healthy mentally and emotionally during pregnancy, educating one's self about the dangers of elective preterm birth can be empowering and clear up any previous social misconceptions. By selecting the links below you can learn more.
As a tribute to all the sweet babies born too soon, and to those who have lost their life in the struggle to survive, His Middle Name will be posting pictures on the Facebook page of all national and international landmarks that will be lighting it up purple in honor of this special day! I know it's a small gesture, but in this season of giving, posting pictures for all the His Middle Name friends and fans to see and share is important in raising awareness. There's something about seeing it displayed on that big of scale that really hits the message home - to see how far reaching and global premature birth truly is. To all the preemie parents, their family members and NICU staff - I hope you enjoy this special day by wearing your purple, lighting a candle in remembrance or simply taking some time for yourself with your little one and reflecting on the miracle of life. Happy World Prematurity Day 2012!!!
2012 Premature Birth Report Card - U.S.
| US Report Card 2012.pdf |
Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait
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