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Saving Babiesby Christy Holbrook
One in every eight babies born in the United States, which is around 543,000 a year, is born prematurely (March of Dimes). Prematurity is when a baby is born before 37 weeks gestation and can cause severe illness and complications that could affect the baby’s health in the future and their survival. A baby born before 25 weeks gestation or with severe defects has a 100% chance of mortality if there isn’t aggressive medical involvement (March of Dimes). If the baby survives, it is almost certain the baby will suffer from some sort of disability. Prematurity can cause distress to a baby’s brain and central nervous system that may lead to permanent damage. Many studies have revealed certain factors to be a possible cause of prematurity; however, in about 40% of premature births, the cause is uncertain (March of Dimes). Because the cause of premature birth is unknown, prematurity is a constant battle, and the consequences can have detrimental effects on the baby, causing them to fight for survival and then possibly live a life with medical complications.
As a volunteer with the March for Babies to help raise funds to help fight against prematurity, I felt that it is necessary to fully understand what prematurity is and what effects it can have on babies. I also have become more passionate about raising money for the March for Babies since I have been working closely with babies in the hospital. I am a newborn photographer, and I often take photos of premature babies, and I see the struggle they endure. I also witness the sadness the parents feel as they watch their child fight for his life. After completion of my research, I feel that I have a full understanding of the complications prematurity causes, not only for the baby, but for the parents. One must fully understand the problem of prematurity before the problem can be solved and the lives of babies can be saved.
