November is a very special month for the Every Tiny Thing family!
We’re giving thanks and preparing for the holiday rush ahead, but we’re also taking time to recognize and celebrate Prematurity Awareness Month in November.
Approximately 1 out of every 10 babies is born prematurely- that means that each year, there are nearly 400,000 preterm births in the United States alone, and the rate of preterm birth is even higher among families of color.
This November, we invite you to join us in raising awareness and support for premature infants and their families. Here are some things you can do to help:
Donate
There are countless organizations that provide incredible support and resources for NICU families, and making a donation is a wonderful way to help them continue their mission.
If you’re able, consider making annual, or even monthly donations to organizations like Project NICU or Hand to Hold.
If you’d like to keep your donation local, consider donating directly to the NICU at your community hospital, or the NICU that cared for your precious preemie!
Pay it Forward
If you’ve been through the NICU experience, you know that new preemie parents have a long road ahead of them. Your wisdom and experience are invaluable for families who are just beginning their NICU journey.
If you know a family with a baby in the NICU, this is a GREAT time to reach out and offer support. Offer to bring a meal or a gift card for your favorite meal delivery service. Set up a visit for coffee and conversation. Create a care package with your favorite NICU must-haves or choose one of our NICU Essentials bundles!
If you don’t have a personal connection with a current NICU family, you can still offer encouragement and support to all of the families at your favorite NICU with our Share the NICU Love donation and discount options.
Share Your Story
Your little NICU warrior is an inspiration, and sharing your story is a powerful way to raise awareness of preterm birth.
Use your social media to share photos and stories of your NICU journey, and to give updates on all the incredible milestones your child has reached since graduating from the NICU. If you feel comfortable doing so, set up a Facebook fundraiser for your favorite NICU charity and encourage friends and family to donate in your child’s honor.
Show off Your Support in Style
Thursday, November 17th is World Prematurity Day, and you can celebrate in style by wearing purple (or sporting a purple ribbon).
If you REALLY want to make a statement, take a cue from the Empire State Building, and add purple lights to your home or workplace to light it up for prematurity awareness!
Say Thanks
The real heroes of Prematurity Awareness Month are the healthcare workers that staff NICUs across the country.
November is the perfect time to thank them for their hard work and dedication! There are lots of ways to say thank you to the doctors, nurses, and therapists in your NICU. You could drop off a tasty treat, put together small care packages, or just write a sweet note to tell them how much they mean to your family and how much you appreciate them.
Every Tiny Thing is proud to play a part in raising awareness of premature birth, and we appreciate each and every one of you as we advocate for more research and better programs to improve the health of NICU parents and babies everywhere.
