World Prematurity Day

17th November is World Prematurity Day. I found this day from Fourfeetnine then ShaolinTiger Dayre and brought so much of my memory in taking care of a premature baby. This day is to raise awareness of preterm baby and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide. ( quoted from wikipedia)

My husband and My baby boy, Arthur was born in March at 29 weeks with birth weight of 1.34kg. He was born flaccid, cyanosed and covered with meconium ( baby stool) . He was incubated at 1 minute of life.  He was admitted to NICU for 12 days before transferring to SCN at day 12 of life. Later on many things happened to him due to his infection. In general, he was discharged after 2 1/2 month which is end of May ( his due date) .

It was really awful to see our own in this situation. I didn't get to see my own son right after he was born. Reason - I was sedated when Arthur been delivered naturally with minimal bleeding. How can that be possibly happen? Praise the Lord. God was there to help us and saved both our lives. 

When I was in my 6 month pregnancy, I had minor sore throat and fever. I never expect things to get worst coz hundred of mothers got sick during pregnancy. Then I had tonsillitis. I called it "slamming spirit". Because God didn't wan me to remember all the pain I went through so I had no idea what had happened. When I woke up after 12 days Arthur been delivered, I thought he was still inside my womb. I was paralyzed for almost 2 months. 

 I remembered first time I met baby Arthur, I was on a dirty wheel chair. I was yellow and I think he didn't know who I was of course. I cried and I didnt know why all this happen. Everything was good. My blood test was amazing, baby was growing huge and we were happily waiting for him to see us. And this is what we expected. I cannot sit on wheel chair for long because I got tired easily and I couldn't move much of my hands. My husband had to take care of me and visit baby at the same. I stayed at level 9 and he was at level 4. 

I didn't have much feelings on baby arthur . I guess I missed that special moment when he was born. Plus I was really so confused by my environment. All of a sudden I became a mom. All I can do for him was to sing A mother's pray for him. He reacted everytime we played the song for him. I cant sing much because my voice was almost damaged and I talked like a kitten. 

I had no milk due to my sickness. I tried all method including power pumping and taking medicine. But it didn't kill my determination to breastfeed him. I fed with little bit of milk. It was alright. Every drops counted. I managed to breastfeed baby arthur till he was 6 months old then I totally out of milk. 

We were not suppose to take picture but I did because this is really precious moment to capture every moments of baby arthur. During my recovery, everyday I used my walking stand to visit baby Arthur at NICU with my husband. We didn't spend much time there because we cant do much . I believe baby Arthur was really in fear. 

We were separated by the incubator. We couldn't really feel like how other parents did because he wasnt ready at all. 

Finally baby Arthur was back to our home. But it seemed like the nightmare had just started because I cannot cope with the stresses and worries from husband and mother in law. I know everyone worried about him but I need support instead of worries. However, love overcomes everything. Its another story to share one day. 

“Children who are born prematurely are at a higher risk for lasting childhood disabilities as well as learning disorders and behavioral disorders,” explained Jim Helm, PhD, director of the Carolina NIDCAP Training Center at WakeMed and infant-family specialist. “Additionally, there are physical challenges that can be associated with prematurity. A child may experience growth problems, and his or her lungs are more vulnerable because they are not yet completely developed. Therefore, these children are at a higher risk for respiratory illnesses and conditions such as asthma.” (Quoted from WakeMed Voices)

And ya our son did face problems like breathing sound and I didnt know what he wan. So many first time. 

Today his actual age : 8 months 16 days ; corrected age : 6 months. And his weigh is 7.99cm height 70cm. he can turn both side and baby talk alot. Again Praise the Lord.

His breathing sound gone , his constipation problem gone, his bad drinking habit bye bye .. Im so happy with his development. 

If you are a new mom to a premature baby, do not worry and in fear. with love and commitment, everything ll be fine.