Tiny Survivor Stories

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine just delivered twins at 26 weeks. I don't have much for details, but they are breathing. Mom asked us to share our tiny survivor stories. Anyone that has a positive story about a birth that early would be greatly appreciated. Please, only positive stories.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Delivered a daughter at 28 weeks, 2 days. 2 pounds even. I took all kinds of crazy antibiotics (had to) and had raging infections throughout pregnancy. DD came out breathing room air. Was in the NICU 59 days and came home around 4 pounds. Today she is 5 and is talented, coordinated, brilliant. Just perfect. And it's not just my mom goggles saying this. She is truly a preemie success story. No medical issues. It can happen! I wish the best to your friend.

[Anonymous]

I had a friend who had a baby about 22-23 weeks - only 1.5 lbs. The baby was in the Nicu for quite a while but held on and went home with a breathing tube after a few months, and is doing just as good as can be a couple years later. She had a hemangioma which required surgery, but I don't think that was related to the birth. She really was a little miracle.

[Anonymous]

My mom was born at 24 weeks in 1949 - before any technological advances like we have today - she was about 2 lbs - they put her to the side to save the life of her mother thinking that she'd never survive. Then she spent another few weeks in an incubator. Needless to say she did survive - she's 60 years old now, bikes and is generally healthier than most women her age except for a little asthma and allergies.

[Anonymous]

My DD was born just before 25 weeks. She spent more than 5 months in the NICU and today is running, talking and eating by mouth (lots of preemies don't). 26 weeks is extremely early but the fact that they are breathing without a ventilator is very encouraging. Expect 12-14 weeks in the NICU with many ups and downs. Watch for brain bleeds, NEC, ROP, PDA Ligations, and worst of all infections are all very commom...this will be the most terrifying experience of their lives but hopefully the babies will survive.

Also expect some sort of isolation when the babies come home. They can't get sick or will end up back in the hospital or worse. Awful words but very true.

No one can believe the history of my daughter when they see her, although tiny, she is just like any other toddler - babies are amazing and resilient and far stronger than any of us are.

Good Luck - sending prayers now.

[Anonymous]

DC1 was born at 32 weeks - much later! Came out weighing 3lbs 14 oz and breathing on his own, apgar score 8. 15 days in the NICU. More than a year of various therapies, but is now mainstreamed in a Montessori preschool and doing fine.

Lots of courage, and lots of vigilance. Good luck to your friends.

[Anonymous]

Wow. I have never had a preemie, and hope I never will, but just wanted to say you moms and your babies are amazing. It is great to hear these stories.

[Anonymous]

Here's a bunch: http://www.miraclewalk.com/site/PageServer?pagename=Stories_and_Photos

my step-sister gave birth at 28 weeks at this hospital and her son, while not featured on this page, was another of their miracle babies. It was a traumatic few months with lots of scares, but he is now 3 or 4 and your run of the mill, holy terror of a toddler. He had some early delays (late talker, etc.) but appears to have caught up entirely.

[zumbamama]

Anonymous wrote:My mom was born at 24 weeks in 1949 - before any technological advances like we have today - she was about 2 lbs - they put her to the side to save the life of her mother thinking that she'd never survive. Then she spent another few weeks in an incubator. Needless to say she did survive - she's 60 years old now, bikes and is generally healthier than most women her age except for a little asthma and allergies.

Wow, that's pretty amazing!

Mine was born at 27 weeks, 3 pounds. I had been on bedrest for low fluid for weeks. She spent 2 months in the NICU w/o any other complications. Healthy and active, 4 years later. It's amazing how many preemies they are able to save now.

[Anonymous]

When I was in graduate school, I worked on a study on micro-premies. I tested the children participating in the study when they were age 4, both the kids who had been micro-premies and those who were normal term birth controls. I was blinded to which group the children belonged to. With the exception of one child, I could never tell who the kids in the micro-premie group were.

[Anonymous]

I was a premie. besides some allergy issues I consider myself healthy. honor student speaking 4 languages fluently, attactive and happy
I'm praying for your friends family.

[Anonymous]

My cousin delivered at 22 weeks, and her baby girl weighed less than 2 lbs. They said she likely wouldn't walk or talk. At nearly 2, she is already doing both of those and is one of the happiest babies I've ever seen.

[Anonymous]

Me (!). 26 weeks in 1979. 2 pounds. perfectly normal happy healthy child and adult (no therapy, no disabilities, etc). Thinking of your friend!

[Anonymous]

I have twin cousins born at 26 weeks. Today they are in high school. One is a talented ice skater and the other is on the football team!

My own twins were born later, but quite small (4 pounds) and today they are among the taller kids in their class.

Best wishes for your friend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mom was born at 24 weeks in 1949 - before any technological advances like we have today - she was about 2 lbs - they put her to the side to save the life of her mother thinking that she'd never survive. Then she spent another few weeks in an incubator. Needless to say she did survive - she's 60 years old now, bikes and is generally healthier than most women her age except for a little asthma and allergies.

Do we have the same mom?! My mom was also born at 6 months (not exactly sure the weeks) in 1949 - she was also 2lbs. Never had any problems related to her being born so early! By the time she was 1 you would never have been able to tell that she started out so tiny.