In this issue of Preemie Matters: FDA Approves First Drug to Prevent Preterm Birth • "New Moms Need" Blog Hosts Twitter Chats on Prematurity • Coloring Book Series Reassures & Supports Siblings of NICU Babies • Partner Spotlight: The Zoe Rose Memorial Foundation • KeepEmCookin.com Offers Peer Support to Women with Prematurity Risk
FDA Approves First Drug to Prevent Preterm Birth
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Makena (hydroxyprogesterone caproate), the first drug to help prevent preterm birth. Intended for women carrying a singleton pregnancy and who have a prior history of premature delivery, Makena addresses recurrence as the most common risk factor. It is not intended for women carrying twins or those who have other risk factors for preterm birth. In making its decision under accelerated approval regulations, FDA reviewed safety and effectiveness data from a clinical trial that included 463 pregnant women with a prematurity history. Thirty-seven percent of women receiving Makena delivered before 37 weeks, compared to 55 percent of the women who did not receive the drug. Learn more at FDA's press release.
"New Moms Need" Blog Hosts Twitter Chats on Prematurity
The March of Dimes is leveraging the power of social media to connect with pregnant women and new moms around prematurity issues. Two recent Twitter meetups hosted by MOD's "New Moms Need" blog, using hashtag #pregnancychat, drew strong turnouts, bringing together women and families form across the country to share their stories and get information and support. Stay tuned to the blog for announcements of future Twitter chats.
Coloring Book Series Reassures & Supports Siblings of NICU Babies
Siblings of preemies need support, too. In response, Platypus Media has announced a new addition to its coloring book series. "Come Home Soon, Baby Sister!" is a new companion to the "Come Home Soon, Baby Brother!" coloring book, helping siblings of NICU babies to understand the NICU experience in a reassuring, age-appropriate way. The coloring books, available in both English and Spanish, are great resources for families who find themselves with a young child to care for and a newborn in the NICU. For a sample, email dia@platypusmedia.com.
Partner Spotlight: The Zoe Rose Memorial Foundation
Established by the parents of triplet girls born at 25 weeks, the Zoe Rose Memorial Foundation offers programs and services to educate, support, connect, comfort and empower the families of micro-preemies. These include a Family Mentor Program, referrals and connection to resources, transition support from NICU to home, ongoing social support as families face the challenges of raising micro-preemies, handcrafted isolette quilts for NICU comfort and keepsake, and bereavement support for those who have lost a child. At their website, learn more about the foundation's work and its namesake, Zoe Rose.
KeepEmCookin.com Offers Peer Support to Women with Prematurity Risk
With an active online community forum, informational articles, and a growing Facebook following, KeepEmCookin.com provides peer support to women at risk for premature birth - and special outreach to those on pregnancy bed rest. Created by a mom for moms, KeepEmCookin.com focuses on social support and education that can help expectant moms do what they can to prevent prematurity for a healthy birth and a healthy baby.
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Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB's disclaimer is available on our website.