The Word I Never Expected – “Micro Preemie”
I never imagined that the word micro preemie would become part of my life. My pregnancy began like any other, full of dreams and excitement. But at just 25 weeks, my daughter Stella arrived far too soon, weighing barely more than a pound.
That was the day I became not only a mom, but a preemie mom. What followed was Stella’s 122-day journey in the NICU, where every breath, every gram gained, felt like a miracle. Today, I share our story to encourage and support families walking the same path.
What Is a Micro Preemie?
A micro preemie is a baby born before 26 weeks of gestation, usually weighing under 1.75 pounds. For me, it wasn’t just a medical term — it described my tiny warrior, Stella, whose body was so small that her entire hand barely covered the tip of my finger.
Compared to a “typical” preemie baby born at 32–36 weeks, Stella’s fight was more fragile and uncertain. She required advanced medical support, round-the-clock monitoring, and endless patience.
The Day Stella Was Born
The day Stella was born felt like a blur. I didn’t hear a cry. Instead, the delivery room filled with doctors and nurses working urgently to help her breathe. She weighed little more than a pound, her skin translucent, her body fragile.
Instead of being placed in my arms, Stella was whisked away to the NICU. The first time I saw my newborn preemie, she was inside an incubator, hooked up to tubes and wires. All I could do was reach in through a small opening and let her fingers curl around mine.
Stella’s 122 Days in the NICU
The NICU became our second home. For 122 days, we lived by the rhythm of beeps, alarms, and updates from doctors.
- Alarms and Beeps: Each sound could mean something critical. My heart raced every time a monitor beeped.
- Small Victories: Stella’s first 10 grams gained, her first breath without the ventilator — each moment was worth celebrating.
- Setbacks: Infections and feeding struggles reminded me how fragile micro preemies are, and how long the road could be.
Despite the fear, Stella showed me her strength daily. She taught me that even the smallest babies can have the biggest fight.
Finding Hope Through Survival Stories
I often searched for stories of other micro preemies and the youngest surviving preemie to reassure myself. Knowing that babies as young as 21 weeks had survived gave me hope.
But the greatest source of hope was Stella herself. Every day she grew stronger, proving that she was writing her own survival story.
The Emotional Journey of a Preemie Mom
As Stella’s mom, I went through an emotional rollercoaster. I felt guilt, wondering if I had failed her somehow. I carried anxiety, fearing every setback.
But over time, I replaced guilt with gratitude. I realized Stella’s strength wasn’t about my mistakes — it was about her resilience. She was teaching me courage in the most powerful way possible.
Bringing Stella Home
After nearly four months, we finally heard the words we had prayed for: “Stella can go home.”
Bringing a preemie baby home was joyful and terrifying at once. No more monitors, no nurses at our side — just us. We took extra precautions: limiting visitors, avoiding crowds, sanitizing everything.
Slowly, Stella adjusted. She filled our home with the sounds and smiles I had longed for since the day she was born.
Why I Became a NICU Volunteer
Stella’s journey changed me forever. I couldn’t walk away from the NICU experience without giving back. That’s why I now volunteer as a NICU parent mentor.
I sit with moms and dads who are living what I once lived, and I remind them: You are not alone. Your baby is stronger than you think. Sharing Stella’s story helps me bring hope to families facing the unknown.
Lessons Stella Taught Me as a Preemie Mom
Through Stella’s journey, I learned lessons that reshaped my perspective:
- Every milestone counts — even a gram gained is a victory.
- Lean on community — other preemie parents understand in ways no one else can.
- Ask for help — strength comes from leaning on others.
- Self-care matters — I had to take care of myself to take care of Stella.
- Hope is everything — statistics don’t define your baby’s future.
World Prematurity Day: A Time to Honor Stella and Others
Every year on World Prematurity Day, I light our home purple in honor of Stella and all preemies. It’s my way of spreading awareness and supporting parents who feel as lost as I once did.
When I share Stella’s story publicly, I remind others that a micro preemie may be small, but their courage is immeasurable.
WHO-World Prematurity Day
Conclusion: Stella, My Miracle
25 Week Preemie: Survival Rates, Long-Term Outlook, and Care 💔👶
Today, Stella is thriving. She still has follow-up appointments and some challenges, but she fills our lives with joy and laughter.
Stella’s journey proves that a micro preemie can overcome extraordinary odds. For every parent reading this, sitting by a NICU bed: there is hope. Your preemie baby is stronger than you can imagine.
