The first thing the doctor said to us when Jaxson was born was “He’s alive!” Not, “It’s a boy!” They rushed him off to the NICU before I could see him or touch him or hold him.
The first time I touched Jaxson, the nurse cautioned me to touch him with a gentle, still hand. I should not rub him. I should not caress his small body. When I wanted to move away, I should do so very slowly to make sure I did not rip his skin.
The first time I held Jaxson, his head on my chest, his tiny feet did not touch my belly button. They did not even come close.
The first time I saw Jaxson’s eyes open, he was 2 weeks old.
The first time I got to dress my baby, he was 2 months old.
The first time I saw Jaxson’s beautiful face without any tubes or wires or IVs, he was 2.5 months old.
The first time Jaxson got to see the sun and sky, he was 3 months old. (I don’t count the transfer from St. Cloud to St Paul in the ambulance!)
As a first time mom, I didn’t have anything to compare these experiences to. It was normal for us.
But… it’s not normal. We’ve had to do things that other people can’t even imagine. Being a preemie parent gives you super powers. You are braver than Batman: you learn to push on in the darkest times. You are tougher than Superman: you learn to say “Well, I think he will recover.” when a doctor says “This might be the end.” You are more adaptable than Mystique: you learn to hold your baby in a nest of wires, and ventilator tubes, and IVs.
You are a preemie parent; you are a superhero: you learn to hold your baby so you don’t rip his skin.
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Parents of Preemies Day is “a national day of awareness recognizing the courage and commitment it takes to stay strong and resilient when premature birth turns a family’s world upside down. Each year, 13 million babies are born prematurely across the globe to parents who never expected their birth stories would be so challenging. Though medical breakthroughs continue to improve outcomes for preemies, experts are only now beginning to understand the intense psychological effects that premature birth has on moms and dads.”
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An Early Start 
Reblogged this on An Early Start and commented:
This year’s Parents of Preemies Day is on May 5. Being a parent of a premature baby is no joke – it’s hard and scary and tiring. In honor of the strength I see in so many parents of preemies, I am re-sharing one of my favorite posts. Hang in there, parents – we are here for each other.
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I couldnt agree with this more!! i have a 32 weeker who will be 1 on April 5th! Definitly more powerful than Superman! SuperMOM!
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Hooray for Evan’s first birthday! A day to celebrate, for sure!!
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Our son Zakary was a 23 weeker…and our third child…but first preemie. Boy what a change our life went through….I look back now and wonder how we ever made it through those days. I can tell you this….there is no doubt we will never forget any one moment during the 3 months he was in the hospital or the years after, always on guard to keep him well and away from any sickness. We will never forget the nurses or our “angel doctor” who were there every single step of the way. This year, Zakary will be 8 years old and other than being a small child and having to wear glasses, there is no way anyone would ever guess he was born so early and so sick. What a precious gift God gave us! Being a preemie parent is an awesome thing to be.
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Being a preemie parent is awesome, indeed! Hooray for Zakary – he sounds like a tough kid. I’m so glad he did so well – hopefully Jax follows in his footsteps! I think about Jax’s nurses and doctors daily (Jax says good night to them each night before bed!) They are people we will never forget, that’s for sure!
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What’s my super power? Being the mom of twin premies…that’s my super power. Can’t tell now by looking at them though. Life is great these days. Hugs.
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Twin preemies?! Yes – you are a superhero! I’m so glad they are doing well. How old are they now? Cheers to the good life! 🙂
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I’m a preemie mom and making milk was my super power. After all the pumping I did while baby was in the NICU, I felt like I deserved a special title.
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YES! All pumping moms deserve a special title. I struggled sooooo much with low milk supply; each drop literally was liquid gold. Good for you for providing all you could for your little one.
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this is perfect. You become braver and stronger than you ever thought you could be. All in the name of that intense intense love.
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Isn’t that true? I had no idea how much I could love someone until Jax was born. That mama bear instinct just kicked right in for me.
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Love this! You have inspired me to write my own Braver than Batman post! Just like the previous commenter stated….you put my feelings into words!
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Oh – please do and share the link with me when it’s posted? I would love to hear your story!
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Thank you for putting my feelings into words!! We are more powerful than Superman! Proud Preemie Mom! Thanks again!
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Preemie parents unite!!! 🙂
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