Michigan

Hi Charlie's Mom!

I also live in the Detroit area but in the NW suburbs (West Bloomfield in particular). I have gotten a little involved with the March of Dimes in the last two year and I am really enjoying it. Right now I am helping to coordinate family teams at the WalkAmerica in Milford and I participated in the Health Walk on Prematurity Awareness Day in U of M's Mott's Children's Hospital.

I know the main headquarters in Michigan is in Southfield and you can call them for volunteer opportunities. You can also just go to the MOD website and look for your local chapter which will list events you can participate in. Just a couple of thoughts!

Congratulations on Charlie! And I hope he has a great first Birthday!

-Jackie

Hi Charlies mom

Congratulations and what a great milestone. There are lots of things you can do. As Jackie said it is always great to contact the march of dimes office I also volunteer for my local office. I have also got involved locally I live in a rural area where not alot of people are aware of the march of dimes efforts. I also donate gift baskets and items to the nicu my daughter was born at and also in my local community when I hear of a mom of a preemie we are working on making more connections easier for moms of preemies. Currently we have a couple programs being added to our county. I also am still in the developement stage of a non profit organization I am starting. It is going slow but steady. And I am sure it will be well worth all the work it is taking. I hope this may give you some ideas. Just doing even one thing is a great help to everyone.

Heidi

For anyone who checks in here and is near the Novi, MI area...(and no this is not an advertisement - keep reading!)

If you are looking for a place to eat try Carrabba's Italian Grill on Novi Rd just North of I-96. For the last two years the owner has supplied lunch after WalkAmerica for all the walkers at the Kensington Metropark walk in Milford. He donates all the food (mmm....ceasar salad, chicken marsala, etc....) and has his staff volunteer to cook and serve everything. It is so nice of him and so much better than the typical hot dog and pizza at some of the other walks! My husband and I like to eat there as often as we can just to show him our support. Not to mention they have great food!

Anyway, I just realized I should pass that along in case anyone else wants to give them their business knowing the owner supports the MOD!

-Jackie

Hello. My name is Miranda and i am looking for preemie moms in Michigan to share my story with and I would love to here theirs. My son, Ace Michael, was born at 32wks and is now eight days old. So hello to all and hope to hear back!

Hi Miranda! Welcome to Share!!!!
My name is Jackie and I am the mom to a now-3.5-yr-old 25 week girl and a 14 mth old full term baby boy.
My daughter was born in Grand Rapids as I was out of town visiting family when she was born but we live in West Bloomfield.

Congratulations on your little miracle, Ace! I hope all is doing well for Ace and yourself and that you nicu stay is short and uneventful. What hospital is your little guy at?

****************** Ok I just saw your other post in the "New Here?" discussion and wanted to tell you that Kimberly spent 6 weeks at Devos Children's Hospital and they were phenomenal!! Some of the nicest, most dedicated people I have ever met (for the most part anyway - one nurse was kind of annoying but I don't remember her name). If you have to be in a NICU I truly believe that is the one to be at!

-Jackie

My daughter was born at 30 wks she is now 32 wks and it scares me to death she is on a cpap her heart rate keeps dropping and she now weighs 3 ponds 2 oz she weighed 3 pounds 1 oz at birth i am very scared and need someone to talk to ....

Hi! Welcome to Share.
I'm so sorry you are having to go down the preemie road.... I've been there and it is a rough road to travel. But don't lose hope, chances are things will work out just fine and your daughter will be a happy healthy little girl.

Where in michigan are you? I'm in the Detroit area but I grew up in Grand Rapids.

Hi,
My name is Lisa, and Last year 8-9-08 I gave birth to a 30 weeker also. The NICU can be a really scary place, but they take really good care of you precious baby. I know it does not seem to you like she is making progress, but I can tell you she is. Babies all lose some weight before they start gaining and preemies are no different, so even though she only wieghs 1 oz more than she did at birth, she is gaining weight which is a very good thing. The heart rate issue is one that alot of preemies have. my son's heart rate would do the same thing. They gave him caffine to help keep his heart rate up. My son is now a happy healthy 1yr old who is trying to walk. Right now I know it is so hard to have your baby away from you, but a yr from now when she is eating her birthday cake, the NICU will be just a memory, a small blip in time that you had to face. Where are you in Michigan/ I am in Roseville. If you ever need to talk do not hesitate to email me lisakey25@yahoo.com and I can give you my #...one other thing, through this website you can get a book called Preemies, it is a great book to help answer a ton of questions...I found it very helpful. The NICU where your baby is at might have it also.

am in the lapeer area moving back to detroit area soon after the baby is out and home

Danielle,

I am so sorry for all you're having to go through with your little girl! The NICU is scary and so many have been there.

I see that you're in the Lapeer area. I was born and raised in Lapeer and had both of my kids there. I would love to talk to you more and offer you more local assistance until you get back to Detroit. Please e-mail me so we can talk more. I will e-mail you through your share link my e-mail address. I have a lot of friends back in Lapeer (I currently do not live there anymore) who have been in your position and I know a lot of the Lapeer staff (if that's where you are) as my mom worked there for almost 20 years!!

Hold her close and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!!

Share is a place where you can feel safe to share your story, ask for help, and get the support you need. The compassion given here is beyond compare and you're never alone here.

Hugs!!
Sharlene