11/17/2024
💜 Prematurity Awareness Day | November 17th 💜
As a mom of three preemies, today carries a deep meaning. Prematurity doesn’t end when you leave the NICU—it’s a lifelong journey. That’s why at GLO Preemies, we’re here for the long haul, supporting families for 18 years. The NICU is just the starting line, and every stage after comes with its own challenges and triumphs.
This image tells a powerful story—a baby in the NICU grows into a thriving student. For families, especially in minority and low-income communities, the journey involves navigating a system that often feels overwhelming. Every part of a child’s environment, from the hospital to school and beyond, plays a role in shaping their life.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- Close circle (Microsystem): The people closest to your child—like parents, NICU nurses, and doctors—provide the care and support they need to make it through.
- Next layer (Mesosystem): Moving into school means working with teachers and creating plans like IEPs to ensure your child gets the right support.
- Community level (Exosystem): Things like your job, childcare, and healthcare access can make or break how much support you can give your child.
- Big picture (Macrosystem): Society’s rules and systems—like education and healthcare—can either open doors or create roadblocks.
- Over time (Chronosystem): These layers affect your child differently as they grow, from their early days in the NICU to when they start school and beyond.
Being a preemie parent means learning to navigate all these layers while building strength as a family. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Today, let’s not just raise awareness about prematurity—let’s also push for the changes that families like ours need.
