PACKAGES FOR PREEMIES

Having a pre-term baby is much different than having a full-term baby. Typically, families that deliver a healthy full-term baby are discharged within a couple of days of birth. With pre-term birth, the minimum amount of time in the hospital is 5 days and can extend up to 3 months, depending on the gestational age at birth. According to current hospital standards, mothers are typically discharged within 48 hours (surgical delivery within 72 hours). The emotional stress can be unimaginable, especially if the parents are not able to stay in or near the hospital after the mother is discharged. Many families have other children, pets or other dependents at home, so being at the hospital 100% of the time is not possible. This creates a major struggle, logistically and emotionally for the

parents. After the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) period ends, many parents do not have accrued sick or vacation time away from work to stay with their hospitalized baby. All these factors can cause additional emotional and financial stress. Packages for Preemies wants to alleviate some of these stresses so families can focus on their little one.

We were founded in July 2016 and hope to expand to provide financial support, additional

goods and errand assistance to families who may endure extended stays in the neonatal intensive care unit. Currently our packages include preemie clothing, preemie diapers, and gift cards to local

restaurants and coffee shops. Donations are almost 100% direct to support these families.