Hand to Hold's official blog
After Mower (UT) lost her firstborn son at 21 weeks. Her daughter was born a year and a half later at 27 weeks. The NICU was overwhelming and isolating and it was through those two experiences she was led to found this social hub for parents to find the support they needed. Afton also gave birth to another daughter, born two days overdue after four months of strict bedrest. She believes it is a tender experience to hold a special baby in your arms when his spirit returns to his heavenly home, a miracle to watch tiny babies survive the risks of prematurity and a blessing to hold a healthy full-term baby after months of difficulty and sacrifices. Send a message to Afton.
Dear Readers, I started this blog a number of years ago with the hope that I could help some other preemie parents by sharing my personal experiences. It was therapeutic for me to write about my experiences having preemie babies, and I have appreciated the many parents who have shared their stories and supported my [...]
This story was thoughtfully submitted by one of our readers. The week after my husband and I were married, we decided we wanted children and I was overjoyed. We had my son 11 months after we were married and besides having preeclampsia, I was called a “constant contractor”. I went up to the hospital many [...]
This contest information was sent to me in efforts to spread the word about Preemie Power. This is a good opportunity to talk about and share pictures of your special preemie. – Afton We are excited to announce that Preemie Power has begun! Hand to Hold, a nonprofit parent support organization, established Preemie Power to [...]
“Preemie Parents: 26 Ways to Grow with Your Premature Baby”, by Tami C. Gaines, was generously donated to me so I could read and review it. I sat down today and gave it my full attention and was surprised at how quickly I was able to get through the book. I must congratulate Tami on [...]
I’m sure many of you have noticed that the past month or two has been very slow on Preemie Babies 101. To be honest I’ve just kind of burned out. I’ve said most everything I felt so anxious to share when I started the blog, my preemie is growing up, and my passions have skipped [...]
William Christopher Rhys Storm Birth story…by Denise Perry 3-27-10, 9:11PM, Cincinnati Ohio It had been a challenge since even before day one. Infertility. A less than 1% chance of ever having a baby of our own. Fast forward two and a half years and…pregnant…naturally. What followed was about one week of true bliss. Then, a [...]
Shawnte sent me this update on her 30w2d preemie weighing only 1 lb 6 oz at birth. Read Shawnte’s Story. I just wanted to update you on my pretty Katie. She is now at 4lbs 12oz and 17inches long. Yesterday she got to meet her big sister for the first time and did so well [...]
This tribute was submitted by Angela. Rachel was brought into our family on November 25, 2003, with her twin brother, Sam. Being our first children, they quickly became best friends. They could always be found together playing, coloring or reading. Rachel was the little mommy of our household. When we were teaching Sam and Rachel [...]
The following is a photo gallery of preemies born from 34 to 36 weeks gestation. Click on a picture and navigate through the gallery to see specific information about each baby. Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to submit pictures of their preemies to make this post possible. Please leave any [...]
This story was submitted by Katrina, one of our readers. High Risk Pregnancy Throughout my pregnancy I had been deemed high risk as I had a previous preemie baby due to prom at 32 weeks, and successful treatment for cervical cancer prior to this also. During the first few weeks of pregnancy I suffered terrible [...]
Hand to Hold is a nonprofit 501(c)3 parent support organization and information and resources provided here do not intend to take the place of the relationship between a patient and personal physician.