Blogging for Prematurity Awareness Month

November is Prematurity Awareness Month.

Prematurity has been escalating steadily and alarmingly over the past two decades. In 2005, more than 525,000 infants were born prematurely, the highest number ever reported for the U.S. In 2005, the United States as a society paid at least $26.2 billion in economic costs associated with preterm birth (medical and educational expenses, loss in productivity).

Preterm delivery can happen to any pregnant woman. One in eight babies born is premature. In about four out of every 10 cases, the causes are unknown.

The March of Dimes has taken on this devastating problem—to find out what causes it and how it can be stopped.

Call To Action: How can you help?

1. Sign the Preemie Petition

2. Join Kristine’s Blogging for Prematurity Awareness campaign and help spread awareness

3. Comment, favor, and share (Twitter it, share on Facebook, Stumble it, etc) my Resources for Preemie Parents page.

4. Post the following button on your blog or site:

<a href=”http://www.marchofdimes.com?kbid=1685″ target=”_blank”><img src=”http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j189/girlie0226/mod_pam.gif” alt=”Support The March Of Dimes”></a>

Note: 100% of the proceeds from this link go directly to MOD.

While I have been personally touched by prematurity, The March of Dimes has touched your life if:

• Your baby received a vaccine to prevent polio
• Your baby received newborn screening to test for life-threatening but treatable conditions (such as the PKU heel stick test)
• Your baby spent time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
• You took folic acid before and during pregnancy to prevent brain and spinal cord birth defects
• You had a healthy baby due in part to good prenatal care

Thank you for your support.