Meet Jaime, Preemie Parent Mentor
My preemie(s) was born at: 27 weeks
Days spent in the NICU: 71
Current age of preemie(s): 3
Parent of Multiples: No
Our NICU Journey included: HELLP, preeclampsia, IUGR, breastfeeding – boosting supply, ROP.
No one should feel as though they are on this roller coaster alone, and providing support to others as a Graham’s Foundation Parent Resource volunteer makes me feel as though my experiences and struggles are not in vain. I am available to discuss supply issues and preemie breast feeding or feeding with pumped milk – specifically under-supply and exclusive pumping. I am also here to lend support in dealing with pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. I’d especially like to help other preemie parents to understand that:
- It is okay to ask for help. It doesn’t mean you are weak and not capable of taking care of your baby, it means that you are taking care of your baby AND yourself.
- YOU are an advocate for your child/children and you need to trust your mommy or daddy instinct.
- It is okay to have all the emotions you are having. Being scared one minute and elated the next is par for the course. Please allow yourself to have these feelings and find someone you trust to talk to.
Breastfeeding a Preemie & Pumping Support
While not every preemie – or preemie mom – can breastfeed, many preemie parents want to give their babies the benefits of breast milk (also sometimes called human milk). Moms of preemies can sometimes encounter difficulties when attempting to breastfeed or while pumping, and often it’s support from other parents and experts that makes all the difference.
