Every preemie parent has a story

Preemie babies are thrust into the world with all of the risks that come from an early birth. As an early arrival, these miracles face a myriad of challenges.

For NICU parents, the basics of survival – breathing, eating, growing – are a gift for their child. Parents whose babies have overcome the odds know that nutrition, including specialized formula and human milk fortifier in combination with human milk, play a role in helping their child get what they need to grow.

ELLIOT’S STORY
Helping Elliot grow

At birth, Elliot Perry was given an 18 precent chance of life.  He was born before his lungs and other organs were fully developed and he had his first surgery – to repair a tear in his intestine – when he was five days old.  Despite these challenges, his will to survive was strong, and human milk fortifier helped him get the nutrition he needed.

Jonathan’s story

99 days in the NICU

15 years later, you wouldn’t know Jonathan Neerman, Jr. had to spend the first three and a half months in the NICU. Thanks to specialized preterm infant nutrition, he was able to grow into a smart, active, and funny son.

HALEY’S STORY
Working with a stubborn eater

When Colleen Pollick’s daughter was born early, she had trouble gaining weight.

“I was able to pump and we attempted to bottle feed with that, but it simply wasn’t enough. Haley was starting to lose weight and the NICU doctors were going to have to put her on a feeding tube if she wasn’t able to gain. Thankfully, our saving grace came in the form of high-calorie formula made specifically for situations like this.”

EVELYN’S STORY
The smallest baby born in the United States

In September 2023, Evelyn Eilers was born at 8 oz, the lowest birthweight ever recorded in the U.S, according to the Tiniest Babies Registry. After dealing with a host of challenges, including surviving necrotizing enterocolitis, Evelyn was able to thrive thanks to the nutritional options that were available to her.

Jesse’S STORY
A true fighter

“At 25 weeks my water broke, I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and admitted to the hospital. Three days later, I suffered a placental abruption and was rushed in for an emergency C-section under general anesthesia. Our son, Jesse, was born at 26 weeks and two days, weighing only 1 pound, 5 ounces and measuring 12 inches long.”

Haley’S STORY
The Importance of Donor Milk (for Preemies and Beyond!)

When you first see that positive test, your mind takes off. Planning the perfect nursery, the cute pregnant person you will be in your outfits with the perfect round belly, and how flawless your birth will go… But what you don’t plan for is when things don’t go perfect; when that amazing little bundle of joy comes sooner than you ever planned. For when your birth that you had written out, can’t be followed due to complications.

SHAWNITA’S STORY
From Preemie to Advocate

“Reflecting on the struggles and complexities surrounding my birth – for both me and my family – I can see the strength they forged in me. My experience as a preemie shaped my life and ignited a passion to advocate for other preemie babies and their families. Now, I am a birth worker for a maternal care organization. I share my story in the hopes that it provides support for families like mine and reminds others that they are never alone.”

Melissa’s STORY
Caring for Tiny Miracles – A NICU Nurse’s Perspective

“As a NICU nurse for 2 years, I have experienced both triumph and heartbreak in equal measures. There are so many decisions parents and caregivers are asked to make on a daily, if not hourly, basis and the whole process can be overwhelming. I am honored to walk alongside parents and care for their tiny miracles.”

Tionna’s STORY
When She’s Good, I’m Good

“From birth, Miss T displayed that same bold persistence not only to live, but to live well. After 30 days in the NICU, her parents finally brought her home. Though they were in survival mode with a lot of fear and uncertainty swirling around them, Tina wanted Miss T to have her needs met in a way that would also support and foster her development.”