World Prematurity Day: Raising Awareness and Supporting NICU Families
November 17 is World Prematurity Day – a day to highlight the experiences of families with premature babies and to honour the incredible resilience of these tiny fighters. Approximately 1 in 10 babies is born premature globally. In Canada alone, that’s 30,000 premature babies born each year. For families experiencing a premature birth, their journeys to parenthood often begin in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – a space filled with sounds of ventilators, beeping monitors, bright lights and uncertainty.
I know the NICU all too well. My son, who is now almost twelve years old, was born 5 weeks premature. My would-be mid-January baby unexpectedly graced us with his presence in early December. After an emergency C-section, and before I could hold him, he was whisked away and hooked up to countless tubes and machines to help him breathe. Not exactly the miracle of motherhood that I was hoping for after having a stillborn son 18 months prior.
The NICU Experience
The NICU is a place of extremes – moments of hope when a baby gains weight or breathes unassisted for the first time, and moments of heartbreak when setbacks occur. Every unexpected beep from a monitor triggers anxiety, as it could signify anything from a minor fluctuation to a critical alert. I’ll never forget when I was called down to the NICU from my private hospital room to be informed that my son had momentarily stopped breathing and his lips turned blue. The cause? A soother that was given to him by the nursing team. After crying many tears and getting over the shock, I was grateful that he was ok. And he never, ever, was given a soother again. Ever.
Every day in the NICU brings new questions: Is my baby eating properly? Can my baby breathe on their own? Are there long-term implications? There are countless heavy questions and sometimes, no answers other than “we have to wait and see”. I know the feeling of powerlessness that parents have as they navigate this unfamiliar world.
The Canadian Premature Babies Foundation (CPBF)
For families in the NICU, support and understanding can make a world of difference. That’s where organizations like the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation (CPBF) step in. Headed by Fabiana Bacchini, CPBF is dedicated to providing education, advocacy and emotional support to NICU families across Canada.
Fabiana’s journey began in 2012 as the mother of a surviving twin born extremely premature. She sought support and information while facing the realities of the NICU firsthand. Fabiana and the CPBF aim to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and families to ensure that no family feels alone during their NICU experience.
CPBF raises awareness and supports families through their experiences of premature births through education, support, advocacy, and community building.
World Prematurity Day is not just about raising awareness, it’s about creating change. By highlighting the challenges faced by premature babies and their families, we can:
- Advocate for better healthcare policies
- Raise funds for neonatal research and family support programs
- Foster greater understanding and compassion within communities
Each year, CPBF’s campaigns inspire thousands to share their stories, wear purple and donate to support NICU families. The foundation also partners with hospitals, healthcare providers and corporate sponsors to amplify its message and expand its reach.
How You Can Help
Small actions can make a big difference. Here are some ways you can support families with premature children:
- Donate to CPBF: Your contributions fund vital programs, resources and advocacy efforts.
- Share your story: If you’ve experienced the NICU firsthand, consider sharing your journey to inspire and support others.
- Volunteer: CPBF welcomes volunteers to help with peer support programs and community building events.
- Participate in World Prematurity Day: Wear purple, attend local events or light a candle in honor of premature babies and their families.
A Message of Hope
This World Prematurity Day, let’s honour the resilience of premature babies, celebrate the dedication of CPBF, and stand in solidarity with NICU families. Together, we can create a world where every baby has the best possible start in life.
Cuddle,Suzanne
