November 17: World Prematurity Day

      As much as I wish that time hasn't flown by so much that come this Sunday I will be the proud parent of a sixteen year old; I am extremely happy to be living in this time in history for the medical breakthroughs that have allowed Regan to be with us this day. As many of you long time blog readers, family, and friends know she was born a 24 week preemie. With today's medical breakthroughs and technology she was able to breathe, survive and even thrive to be the stubborn and adorable teenager she is today. 
     This is why it is so important for me to jump on the bandwagon on World Prematurity Day to help bring to light some very important medical issues that preemies are particularly susceptible to.  

Many parents of preterm infants are unprepared for the special medical care preemies often require. According to a March of Dimes survey, this is because most expecting parents don’t discuss preterm birth with their doctor during prenatal care, even if they are at high risk. On November 17 - World Prematurity Day - we’re hoping to help change this.

     The main cause of concern for preemies is contracting RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which in full term newborns is most often like a common cold because their immune systems are better developed, but in preemies can lead to severe sickness and even hospitalization. 
     I am happy to team up with MedImmune to bring you awareness of RSV and of how precious the health of a preemie can be. Here are a few facts to bring to light the seriousness of this issue.

RSV Quick Facts:

• RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, responsible for more than 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 500 infant deaths each year.
• RSV occurs in epidemics each fall through spring. The CDC has defined “RSV season” as beginning in November and lasting through March for most parts of North America.
•  Certain regions have longer RSV seasons than others, with the season beginning as early as July (e.g., Florida) or ending in April.
• Despite its prevalence, one-third of mothers have never heard of RSV.

    So How do you protect your child from the evil RSV? The answer is really simple WASH YOUR HANDS PEOPLE!!!! Seriously, that is the main thing that spreads RSV, is hands and germs. So the solution to safely protecting your preemie through the dreaded winter germy filled months is lots and lots of hand washing from everyone who comes into contact with your baby.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of MedImmune and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”