What is the purpose of this site?

When Tommy was born, we had no idea that babies born so early and so small could survive, or that if they did that they could escape handicaps or other problems. Part of our education was looking at pictures that were posted in the hallway outside the NICU, showing the progress of various NICU graduates. We took hope from those pictures – and our goal in building this Web site was to provide that same hope to others in similar situations.

Over time, the site evolved to allow us to share and support others going through an NICU experience. Our time with a baby in the NICU was the worst experience of our adult lives, and the fact that we went through if and moved on seems comforting to others.

Do you have any information on _____?

This is not a medical site, and we are not medical professionals. However, we have tried very hard to maintain an extensive collection of links as a resource to those in search of specific information. Our links collection is entitled Daddy’s Library, and we hope it helps you find what you are looking for.

At what gestation was Tommy born?
What is a 25 weeker?

Thomas was born at 25-2/7 weeks according to his medical records. He was what is known as a "25 weeker" because he born at 25 weeks gestation (a normal pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks).

Why was he born premature?

Thomas' early birth was due to a placenta abruption. A placenta occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus (Thomas' placenta was separated approximately 75%). When this occurs, a woman's body tends to deliver the baby in order to protect the mother and the baby. The reason for the abruption is unconfirmed, although it is suspected it may have been related to the shape of my wife’s uterus and where the placenta was attached.

Did you have any indication that he would be born prematurely?

Not really. There were spotting episodes at various points in the pregnancy – the first at 6 weeks. However, there are apparently several reasons for spotting, and we have been assured that most people who have spotting will not have a premature delivery.

Is Tommy’s story typical?

A medical site could provide better information on whether or not his story and outcome are typical. Our reading as parents suggest that his outcome is quite common even for a micro-preemie. However, his stay in the NICU was more problem free than many others we are aware of – we don’t want to gloss over the fact that premature babies, especially the micro-preemies, can have serious problems during and after their time in the NICU.

What all was he treated for in the NICU?

Jaundice, RDS, BPD, ROP, various infections, a grade 1 interventricular hemorrhage (brain bleed) and various other things related to his prematurity – it’s been a while, so I’m sure I’m missing a few things.

Does Tommy have any lingering problems related to his prematurity?

We don’t believe so. While he’s been on track with most of the normal milestones, he was a late talker and was late with potty training. These things are not necessarily related to prematurity. Plus, we find that he is incredibly adept at certain tasks of great interest to him!
 

Was Tommy’s sister or anyone else in your family a preemie?

About Tommy's parents 

Tommy's Dad -- Clark King
Clark is a media marketing professional.  Building Web pages is a hobby.  Clark's professional involvement with the Internet is more on the business side, not the creative side. 

Tommy's Mom -- Natalie King
Beyond her preferred role as wife and mother -- Natalie is a financial professional specializing in retirement plan administration.   Currently, she specializes in time management as she works out how to put in 24 hours at the office, as well as get Tommy and Alyssa to various school, church, scouting, and "play date" functions.

Do you accept Advertising?

LOL
Accepting advertising would force us to work to someone else's expectations -- we'd just assume keep things as they are.  We do not accept advertising.  Nor do we cross-link with sites unless we perceive them to have special value to parents of preemies.