In this issue of Preemie Matters: November 30th Congressional Briefing: "Preventing Prematurity - Progress and Pitfalls" • Virginia's Inova Fairfax Hospital: Nation's First Center of Excellence for Prematurity • Study: Children Born Moderately Preterm May Lag in Growth • Report Spotlights Experiences of Preemie Parents, Need for Ongoing Support • Holiday Cards Benefit Zoe Rose Memorial Foundation • November 30th Congressional Briefing:
"Preventing Prematurity - Progress and Pitfalls"
In response to the nation's grade of "C" on the annual Premature Birth Report Card, the March of Dimes will host a Congressional briefing, "Preventing Prematurity - Progress and Pitfalls," on Wednesday, November 30 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Capitol Visitors Center HVC-201. Lunch will be provided. To RSVP, send email to: mputman@marchofdimes.com.
Virginia's Inova Fairfax Hospital: Nation's First Center of Excellence for Prematurity
The Joint Commission has recognized Inova Fairfax Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as the first Center of Excellence for Prematurity in the United States. The neonatal mortality rate for infants born at Inova Fairfax is among the lowest in the nation. It is home to the largest subspecialty NICU in Northern Virginia, with a 75-bed, level III NICU caring for high-risk infants. The disease-specific survey determining this Joint Commission recognition looks at quality and process improvements, addressing areas including CA-BSIs, increasing breastfeeding and skin-to-skin, ROP and time to antibiotics.
Study: Children Born Moderately Preterm May Lag in Growth
Research published in the November edition of Pediatrics examines the growth of preschool-age children born moderately preterm. Using data from a community-based cohort of 1,123 children born between 32 and 35 weeks, they found that those born moderately preterm were shorter and weighed less at each assessment during the first four years of life than those born at term. Growth restraint was also found to be associated with being small for gestational age at birth. The authors conclude that children born moderately preterm may lag in growth and should be monitored closely during routine practice.
Report Spotlights Experiences of Preemie Parents, Need for Ongoing Support
A new report published in honor of Prematurity Awareness Month shares important insights from the parents of NICU infants - and highlights the need to support these families and children, both during the neonatal ICU stay and beyond. "Narratives from the NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care Units Through the Eyes of Parents" was created from surveys of Inspire.com's sizable and highly-engaged Preemie Support Forum. The report features a foreward by Sue L. Hall, MD, a neonatologist and author of For the Love of Babies: One Doctor's Stories About Life in the Neonatal ICU. Download the 32-page report here.
Holiday Cards Benefit Zoe Rose Memorial Foundation
Photographer Naomi Levit of Eugene, Oegon has created a set of limited edition holiday cards whose sales will benefit the Zoe Rose Memorial Foundation. Levit is donating 50% from all proceeds to support the Foundation's mission: helping the families of micro-preemies. Each card contains a holiday message suitable for sharing with family, friends or colleagues. Free shipping and early delivery makes these cards a good choice for sharing holiday greetings that give back to families experiencing prematurity.
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Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB's disclaimer is available on our website.