Pediatric Interactions is an LLC partner. This post is part of their partnership with Little Lake County. Written by Clinical Director and Speech-Language Pathologist, Sarah Rosten; all thoughts and opinions belong to her.
Mom was having a normal pregnancy and at a scheduled check-up had high levels of protein and was admitted to the hospital at 30 weeks (almost 7-months pregnant.) The family didn’t expect it, but then planned on staying in hospital for 4-6 more weeks when the baby could be born. But the baby had other plans and was born Christmas Eve at 31 weeks, weighing just over 3 pounds. Fortunately, she survived and continued to develop, as premature birth is a leading cause of death among babies (statistics obtained from March of Dimes and prnewswire.com.)
When babies are born premature, they basically should have been in the womb longer to develop and grow. Therefore, a child’s birth weight is often a risk factor for developmental delays. Many children require therapies and other supports. There are a lot of resources available at prematurity.org.
Promote National Prematurity Awareness month by wearing Purple this November. The March of Dimes is encouraging celebrities, landmarks and businesses to “Light Up Purple” in recognition. November 17 will be recognized around the globe as the 5th annual World Prematurity Day (WPD). Go to World Prematurity Day on Facebook and share your preemie’s story and videos.
For more information on available workshops, classes, and programs that nurture your child’s development, please visit WeeBits online , email info[at]weebitsforfamilies[dot]org or call (224) 360-2542
Pediatric Interactions is a Speech and Language Clinic located in Grayslake and McHenry that supports independence and self-esteem using creative therapy approaches. Pediatric Interventions provides FREE developmental screenings, individual and group therapy, classes, workshops and other resources to help children better communicate.
WeeBits is a non-profit organization bringing awareness and guidance to those families with infants/toddlers who fall outside the boundaries of existing child developmental programs.
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