As some of you may know, the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, especially for families of color. Black Women are 2 to 3x times more likely to die in childbirth than white women due to a variety of reasons. Black babies are 1.5 times more likely to be born preterm. Those statistics sound startling, but it’s even scarier when you become one of those statistics. During my first pregnancy, everything appeared to be going well. I followed all the doctor’s orders, took my vitamins, ate all the right things. Around week 33, I began experiencing swelling in my feet and lower legs. I’m a pharmacist by trade so sometimes swelling comes with the territory. We stand for hours while working. I didn’t think much of it until I started experiencing a headache. My husband and I had just returned home from our baby shower in Memphis. We were getting everything unpacked. He was preparing to leave later in the evening for a work trip. I decided to just take it easy and rest for the remainder of the evening. The headache progressed through the night to the point I couldn’t sleep anymore. I ended up calling my parents to let them know what was going on. My father got to my house quicker than I could finish talking. He and my mom suggested we check my blood pressure. To my surprise, my blood pressure was severely elevated. Panic started to set in, so we rushed to the ER. Of course we filled out paperwork and they ran more tests, while I anxiously waited to be seen by the doctor. He came in and explained I was experiencing the tell-tale signs of pre-eclampsia. My heart dropped. As a pharmacist, I knew the implications this could have for me and my son. They started me on magnesium to treat the blood pressure and insisted I try to rest. Early the next morning when my OB arrived, they made the decision that I would be having the baby via c-section that day. I was not expecting to hear those words. They begin prepping me for what to expect and more importantly figuring out if my husband would make it back to Huntsville in time for the birth. Thankfully, he made it just in time. Our son was born at 34 weeks and 1 day weighing 4 pounds and 6 ounces. He was the tiniest baby I had ever seen in person. This wasn’t the story we had written. This is not how we envisioned starting our family. My heart was literally broken the day the doctors came to discharge me. It was such an empty feeling to know I was leaving without my precious baby. Parker spent 37 long days in the NICU at Huntsville Hospital. I feel like I literally lived there for a month. We had quite a few scares during his stay. His biggest obstacle was eating, something we take for granted. I remember thinking what baby doesn’t eat?? Parker couldn’t digest the milk. We transitioned from breastmilk to formula, trying several different type before anything was resolved. It got so severe they thought he may have necrotizing entercolitis, which can be fatal. One of the hardest things about the NICU is not being able to hold and spoil your baby. One of my fondest memories in the NICU was the kangaroo care that allows you to hold the baby skin to skin. It has a variety of benefits for both the child and mother. I remember just being able to hold my son close and feel his little heartbeat. March of Dimes was instrumental in providing funding to the research behind this type of care. What I learned through this journey is every season serves a purpose. Although Parker’s stay in the NICU was not ideal, I learned so much from the awesome nursing staff. They spent the time to educate my husband and I on everything imaginable from diaper changes, correct bathing techniques, infant CPR, and even how to clear objects from a baby’s mouth. Parker is now a 8 year old healthy young man. He’s the sweetest most energetic, talkative person you’ll meet. I’m forever grateful to God that we have a happy ending. For so many families, that’s sadly not the case. Through your contributions to March of Dimes, we will UNITE, CONNECT, HONOR, and CARE for every family to improve maternal and infant health. Thank you for helping hundreds of thousands of families who, like us, have been personally affected by the work of March of Dimes. I encourage you to take it a step further. When you think through your commitment this year, imagine if it were your spouse, your daughter, your sister, or your friend. Each year, too many families deal with complications from pregnancy and preterm birth. Through your contribution to March for Babies, I’m confident we’re getting closer to a world where no mom or dad has to experience what we did. By being part of this movement, you are protecting the health of all families. We can’t wait to see you on May 4th at Big Spring Park!