This story generated a lot of posts on my listserve for parents of

preemies. Much of the concern centered around the statement made by

the neonatologist who cared for Amilia that the medical complications

she experienced were not expected to cause any long term problems.

The sentiment of our group was that it was MUCH too soon for anyone

to know what long term effects this child will have from her extreme

prematurity. This was even more evident by the fact that she very

well may be the earliest preemie to survive and therefore there are

no other children of her gestational age to compare her to.  There

was also concern expressed that the "happy ending" spin could very

well serve to discount the struggles that many of our preemies face.

Of course, we also don't know how much of this happy ending spin was

just that - media spin. Since the story first aired, it does seem to

have changed some to acknowledge that it remains to be seen how

things turn out for her. We all hope for the best for Amilia, but for

those of us whose preemies struggle with various issues, some visible

and some not so visible, an acknowledgement of their struggles seems

in order.



Just my .02.



Robin



--- In Parents_As_Partners@yahoogroups.com, "Lisa Richards"

<lisa.a.richards@...> wrote:

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

> I was reading the news today and saw this story:

>

>

> Baby, among tiniest to survive, leaving hospital

>

> A premature baby that doctors say spent less time in the womb than

any other surviving infant is to be released from a Florida hospital

on Feb. 20.

>

> http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17237979/from/ET/

>