As many readers know, my first child was premature, having been born at 36 weeks after I was on bed rest for seven weeks with oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid).  While my daughter never spent any time in the NICU, and was completely healthy, I know that other babies are not as lucky.

This month, November, is prematurity awareness month, and the March of Dimes and Johnson & Johnson are doing some great things to promote awareness and increase research.  I had the opportunity last week to speak to Janis Biermann, SVP of Education and Health Promotion from the March of Dimes to learn more about the great efforts that are going on.

Did you know that 1 in 8 babies are born premature (defined as earlier than 37 weeks)?  Prematurity is common and costly, and puts heavy burdens on families, who often have to travel great distances to the closest NICU to visit their child.  In addition, while information exists for why 50% of those babies are premature, the reason for the other 50% is unknown.

What can you do to help?  First, visit the March of Dimes’ website to sign a petition for preemies.  The petition shows your support of the following:

1. Encouraging the federal government to increase support for research and data collection related to prematurity
2. Improve access to health coverage and stop-smoking programs for women of childbearing age
3. Encourage consistent collection of data and assessment across all hospitals for information related specifically to prematurity rates and reasons
4. Request that businesses support healthy pregnancy by creating workplaces that encourage maternal health.

In addition, Johnson & Johnson is donating $.10 for each purchase of a Johnson’s Baby product made in November and December to the March of Dimes.  Stock up on products now to help make a difference!