How would you feel if you went into labour at just 25 weeks? Imagine if your baby was the size of your hand. For many, this is the case.
Today, November 17th, marks World Prematurity Day which aims to raise awareness of preterm birth and the issues that families can face with a premature baby.
Approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely every year. That’s one in every 10.
A number of mothers and organistaions have taken to Twitter to mark the occasion by sharing their own photographs and stories…
Here’s our miracle as we celebrate #WorldPrematurityDay today. She’s now 3 1/2 years and doing great! @MarchofDimes pic.twitter.com/T52tO5upnO
— Reed Cole (@ReedCole07) November 17, 2015
My smallest guy #WorldPrematurityDay pic.twitter.com/8gXu4bxqmm — ✨Ange✨ (@AngeCMJ) November 17, 2015
I was born prematurely at 25 weeks. I’m 23 now, have two degrees and am living a relatively normal adult life. #WorldPrematurityDay — Hannah Roberts (@hannahrrrr) November 17, 2015
Our we guy at 4 hours old and another at 7 months with his best buddy #WorldPrematurityDay @Blisscharity @thenikwils pic.twitter.com/vyHCPT9IsT — Grant (@thegrantwils) November 17, 2015
#WorldPrematurityDay @JohannahDarling @fizfizfiz Ernest & Doris are actually the cutest babies ever pic.twitter.com/v3DJ2AVGpd — Chloe (@fxckitstommo) November 17, 2015
#WorldPrematurityDay Shout out to all the Survivors, especially my fellow Preemie #twins
— Jordan Rodgers (@Jordanthetwin) November 17, 2015
Abayanesu’s daughter was born a month premature. Mother kangaroo care helped save her life. #WorldPrematurityDay pic.twitter.com/mRb6jRXvJC — Save the Children UK (@savechildrenuk) November 17, 2015
Wearing purple today for #WorldPrematurityDay in honor of my two babies who were born at 32 & 28 weeks… pic.twitter.com/1G9l12YFUo — ChristineSperow WBTV (@ChristineOnTV) November 17, 2015
Giving thanks on #WorldPrematurityDay to the NHS staff who saved my life and looked after my son, born at 28 weeks. pic.twitter.com/6l3YKxYZqz — Clare Mackintosh (@claremackint0sh) November 17, 2015
Today is #WorldPrematurityDay Adrianna when she came home in 2008 (4lbs 8oz) Support March of Dimes #pimpinjoy pic.twitter.com/jqbuKlNyTV — Erica Carr (@EricaYCarr) November 17, 2015
This girl came 6 weeks early&now she’s a big crazy almost 2 yo. Love you Zo! #worldprematurityday #toddlerlife pic.twitter.com/KeFf16gWeQ — Rach (@Slainte91) November 17, 2015
I’m supporting #WorldPrematurityDay @Blisscharity 3 of my babies were born prematurely, please make a difference and RT to show support x — Kym Marsh (@msm4rsh) November 17, 2015
For more information or support services, please visit the Irish Premature Babies website here.
