Prematurity doesn't stop at the hospital doors.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people tell me that everything must be 'ok' now, because the boys aren't in hospital, and just like their full-term counterparts. I'm not sure why people think this, probably because they don't live it. The affects of prematurity do not end just because you've been discharged. The affects can continue for many years. Yes we have passed the biggest hurdle, we came home with our babies which unfortunately, for many families doesn't always happen =( .Yes I guess my boys are ok, they are doing very well, but it's not because they've been discharged it's from all the long hours and hard work we've put in through numerous therapies and specialists. That's why they are doing well, but they still have their issues.

They say most premmies have caught up (development wise) to their peers by the time they reach two. Brendan is now four and is still developmentally delayed. Tristan is almost two (in two months!) and although he has some mild delays I still consider him to be caught up to his peers, actually we have never corrected his age.

Some might disagree with me, but I fully believe that ALL of Brendan's issues are a direct result from the pregnancy complications, his birth and prematurity combined. I believe the combination of placental problems, PPROM (premature pre-labour rupture of membranes), lack of oxygen, the infections, the brain bleed and the fact he was born 10 weeks early have all contributed to his Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Developmental Delays and his ear health and hearing issues. Of course much more happened, but those are the major ones.