Babies born prematurely, or "preemies", are defined as any baby that is born six or more weeks before their scheduled due date. Most preemies start their lives in the NICU (or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) of the hospital in which they are born. Thanks to modern medical technology and highly skilled doctors and nurses, preemie babies get a wonderful start despite their early arrival into the world. These babies will spend weeks or months in the NICU, getting stronger and healthier as they get older, preparing to join their anxiously waiting families.
Preemies are always seen as small miracles. They've beaten the odds just to be here with us. Despite coming into the world a little smaller than most, preemie babies can be strong, resilient, and filled with infinite promise, just as other babies who've been born right on time. Time spent in the NICU is often harrowing and filled with concern, but health care for preemies has advanced so far in the past couple of decades that most babies born after 26-27 weeks face only small chances of serious lasting effects.
Despite these odds, some parents are reluctant to send out birth announcements. Concerns relating to a premature birth are real, and it can be difficult to feel optimistic about the ultimate outcome being a good one. If this is the case and you don't want to announce your baby's birth until the baby comes home, that's perfectly acceptable and appropriate. Ultimately, you may choose to have your baby's birth announcements include two dates; the baby's date of birth and the day the baby came home from the hospital. You may also want to include changes in the baby's size, length, weight, and a coming home photograph in your preemie birth announcements.
An example of a unique way to showcase your preemie via their birth announcement is to print the baby's foot or hand, and use a "Birth to Home" theme. By taking the baby's foot or hand print at birth, then again as they leave the hospital, you will have an amazing example of the baby's growth to use as the basis for your one-of-a-kind preemie birth announcement.
To construct this birth announcement, place the two prints side by side and make a copy of them with the headings 'Birth' and 'Home' over the respective prints. At your local office supply store, purchase a package of half or quarter fold greeting card paper, to be used with inkjet printers. Assuming you will be using your home computer for a portion of this project, you will also want to make sure you have an adequate ink supply for your printer. Be aware that even if you will not be using your home computer and printer, the greeting card paper can still be used. These papers come in several textures, colors, and finishes. For this project a soft, white, matte finish works best.
A craft store will have a large selection of vellum papers - translucent, finely textured papers, available in many colors and patterns. If you like, purchase some vellum to act as a softening, protective, acid-free cover for a photo, prints, or as a background to these things. Be sure to use photo adhesive spray instead of traditional glues when using vellum papers.
If you will be using your computer to construct your preemie birth announcements, consider downloading clipart to add to your project. Original text and images will add interest and polish to your preemie baby's announcement.
To make the 'Birth to Home' preemie birth announcement:
- Begin with greeting card paper.
- Make copies of hand or foot prints with 'Birth' and 'Home' headings over the appropriate ones. Be sure to make the copies of the prints small enough to easily fit on your announcements.
- On the outside of your announcement, use vellum as a background for the prints. This paper is used to highlight the prints and may be whatever color you like. Tilt the background paper or tear the edges of the paper for a softer look. You can also use the vellum paper as an overlay to soften the look of the prints.
- Add a photo of your baby to the announcement. Whether on the front or tucked inside, this is a great addition to your announcement, and it's of the face that everyone is hoping to see!
- Inside the announcement, add the baby's full name, date of birth, date the baby went home, weight and length at birth, weight and length when the baby went home, parents' names, and a personal message.