Day 17: 26 Days of March of Dimes

Team Finn's Fans UPDATE

Sweet Baby Finn!  We have come SUCH a long way, little man!  I am so proud of you and your amazing accomplishments!  Such a fighter!

So, how are things going on Team Finn's Fans, you ask?  I would say very, VERY well!  So well, that we UPPED OUR GOAL!  We surpassed our original goal of $1,575.00 almost a week ago - with 2 weeks left until the March.  That means, we were too low, of course!  So, we raised our goal by $1,000 to $2,575.00!  Yes, we did!  Here's how that looks today:

So, we have raised 71% of our "new goal!  We would love to PASS that goal, too!  CLICK HERE to go to our team page and make a donation to Team Finn's Fans!

As for what else is going on with our team - we still have a few events happing as we lead up to Bank Day next Thursday, and the march a week from Saturday!

Tonight we are hosting a "thirty-one gifts" party!  They have the CUTEST stuff!  And now Oklahoma State University is one of the NCAA school logos that they can add to certain items!  The on-line sale is open to everyone!  CLICK HERE to shop on-line, where 20% of your purchase goes to Finn's Fans!

Also, we still have purple collection buckets out collecting coins (and bills!) for this amazing cause!  I have one in my office, and there is one at the Alpha Delta Pi house as well!  Such an easy way to support Finn's Fans - empty your pocket change and lighten your load!

In addition to that, we are selling "cut outs" at the Adorable Affordables area wide consignment sale next week!  They are one of our Gold Sponsors for the March this year, and Lori Beth (owner) has graciously agreed to sell these for $1 each, and we will post them all over the building to show how you support the March of Dimes!  Come out and see us at the sale!

As our campaign season winds down, we are so grateful for all your support, and so thankful for all your donations.  Thank you for helping us Save the Babies!

Day 16: 26 Days of March of Dimes

Home After the NICU

• Learn about your baby's condition, treatment and care.
• It's OK to feel worried about bringing your baby home.
• Find a provider to care for your baby outside the NICU.

Bringing your baby home from the NICU

It’s great that your baby’s ready to leave the NICU! You must be so excited to take him home. But you may feel worried and scared, too. It’s OK to feel this way!

Life after the NICU

 

After your experience in the NICU, you have become a NICU graduate parent. Your child is a NICU graduate. Congratulations!

You will look back on the time you spent with your child in the NICU and see how the experience has changed your life. You may find you have strengths and passions you didn't know you had.

You may feel that your experience has changed you forever and that you want to help others who will walk this road after you. Consider the following:

• Stay connected with the other families you have met and become friends with in the NICU. Exchange contact information. You and these families may have things in common even after your babies leave the NICU.
• Keep in touch with your baby's NICU. Send updated photos to the staff. Visit the NICU. Speak to a parent group. Attend NICU family reunions.
• Find support groups that help you parent your child.
• Get involved with the March of Dimes. Our mission is to help babies like yours and to support parents like you. Learn about the NICU Family Support project and our Prematurity Campaign. To get involved, find your local March of Dimes chapter. Share your baby's birth story and get support from other NICU families on Share Your Story. Your experience, your story, your passion and love for your child are so vitally important to other families and to babies born too small, too sick or too soon.

Parents have to decide how they will incorporate the NICU experience into their lives and the lives of their children. As time passes, most parents find themselves involved in other aspects of their child's life. Their memories of the NICU fade as they watch their child grow and face new tasks and challenges, such as walking, potty training, preschool and more.

Remember: You and your child are strong. Be proud of all that you have come through together. Look forward to and cherish the celebrations ahead.


Source:  http://www.marchofdimes.com/baby/home-after-the-NICU.aspx


And in other Team Finn's Fans news...  

THE SHIRTS ARE HERE! 

Thank you Custom Ink for a job well done!  We think they turned out GREAT!  We have started distributing them!  Can't wait to see the whole team on Walk Day! 

Day 15: 26 days of March of Dimes

In the NICU

 

• In the NICU, your baby gets special medical care.
• Get to know the NICU staff who take care of your baby.
• Ask questions and get involved in your baby's care. 

Which babies need care in the NICU?

Many babies are admitted to NICUs. Here are some of the reasons:

• Premature birth
• Difficult delivery
• Breathing problems
• Infections
• Birth defects

Birth defects can include problems with the heart, body chemistry (metabolism) or structural systems of the newborn.

Becoming a parent in the NICU

 

You've had a premature or sick baby. If your baby was premature, most likely you are still reeling from the shock of your baby's arrival weeks or months before your due date. You may never have fully adjusted to being pregnant, much less being a new parent. You may feel distant from your baby--and the busy, hectic newborn intensive care unit (NICU) environment doesn't make it any easier. But this is an important time for you and your baby to get to know each other and for you to gradually take on your role as mom or dad.

Coping with the NICU roller coaster

For many families, a baby's NICU stay is like a roller coaster ride, with ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks. Of course, the parents are also along for the ride. The following tips can help you deal with your baby's ups and downs.

• Give yourself permission to cry and feel overwhelmed. You may be concerned that if you let your feelings flow, you’ll never be able to pull yourself back together. But you will. Allow yourself to feel this release of emotion.
• Establish a routine. Find a way to balance work, home life and visiting the hospital. Allow yourself to leave your baby's side when you are comfortable doing so. Your baby needs you, but it's also important to have time for yourself, with your partner and with your other children. Also take time to do things you enjoy, such as exercise. These restful breaks will help you find the strength to keep going.
• Connect with other NICU parents. These parents share many of your feelings and struggles. Share your experiences, informally or in a support group. Ask NICU staff if there are graduate NICU parents with whom you can connect for support.
• You also can connect with others who understand what you’re going through at the March of Dimes website, Share Your Story. This online community was created especially for families who have faced the frightening experience of having a baby born early or with a health condition. You can ask questions, participate in online chats, share your own story by creating a blog, and read about other babies with similar health challenges.
• Explore your spiritual side. It might be helpful for you to reflect and lean on your personal spiritual perspective. You may find comfort speaking with a pastor, priest, rabbi, minister or imam. It is normal for this experience to challenge your religious and spiritual beliefs. In any case, remember that prayer, meditation or quiet reflection can help you find emotional strength and hope, and can guide you through this challenging time.
• Keep a journal. Expressing your feelings on paper can help you cope with and move through them. A journal also strengthens your hope and patience, by reminding you how far you and your baby have come.
• Vent your frustrations. If your baby has a setback, you may be plunged back into fear and anxiety. Voice your fears, and hope for the best.
• Celebrate when you can. When your baby makes progress, dare to experience the joy.
• Accept the support of others, however clumsy it may seem. Let people know how they can best help you.
• Accept that you and your partner will react differently. Share your experiences and listen with empathy so that you can feel supported. 

source: http://www.marchofdimes.com/baby/in-the-nicu.aspx