Meg Angelini

August 9, 2024 was not supposed to be Arwen(Winnie)’s birthday. It was supposed to be almost 2 months later. A very scary morning led us to the ER, and shortly after that, to Labor and Delivery. It felt so surreaI…until the NICU team came in to prepare us for what to expect. It was then that it became all too real. I was not going to be able to hold my baby at birth (or to even see her). I was not going to be able to take her home with me at discharge. On top of it all, this was happening NOW. I never knew a cesarean section could happen that fast. They had told us our daughter might enter the world silently, so when I heard her cry out, I felt like I could breathe again. When at last she was in my arms a day later, I finally let myself break down. 

America has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, coupled with a preterm birthrate of over 10%. I count my family among the incredibly fortunate because, although our experience was harrowing, Winnie stayed strong from day one. I saw other families, and have since heard other stories with different endings. Preterm birth is scary, no matter how close to that “safe zone” you think you are. There are 40 week babies that spend NICU time. There are 40 week babies that don’t go home. Any efforts that can be made to help these families through their NICU experience (or to prevent that time entirely) have my attention and support. I hope I have gotten yours as well. Please support my walk. If you’re local, join my team and walk with me! Making a secure donation is easy: just click the 'donate now' button on this page. Thank you for helping give all babies a healthy start!