Tucker Smith, EI | Traffic Designer III | Newark, DE
On October 29, 2013, my wife, Caroline, and I went to work, just like any other day. We were very excited about our baby's approaching due date of December 21. That evening, we went to the hospital for our parenting class and tour. Little did we know, our family would be checking in for an extended stay. While touring the hospital, Caroline started having strong contractions and the nurse conducting the tour sent us directly to the maternity ward triage. Our son, Connor, was born at 9:01 AM on October 30, weighing 3 pounds, 11 ounces. He was seven weeks early. Connor spent 30 days in the NICU.
Fortunately, Connor was healthy at birth but relied on constant support to feed and maintain his body temperature. At times, he would even need a reminder to breathe. We had never considered the possibility of premature birth for our child. Through this experience, we were exposed to so many wonderful nurses, doctors, and other parents who had been thrown into this situation. While in the NICU, the March of Dimes had representatives assisting us as new parents and providing information and activities. The real impact of the March of Dimes came through the care the medical staff provided the babies. Every year, research funded by the March of Dimes advances the treatment available to babies and increases their chance of survival and a healthy life. Now at seven years old, Connor is doing so well and growing tall.
