Parents of Premature Babies Inc. (Preemie-L) is a registered non-profit foundation providing support to families and caregivers of premature babies. Support is offered primarily through the Preemie-L Discussion Forum and the Preemie-L List, where new parents and those with older children can share their stories and concerns. Neonatologists, nurses, authors, and pediatric specialists also contribute to the discussions.

Preemie-L publishes essays, Frequently Asked Questions and advice sheets for families and caregivers, a recommended booklist and other helpful resource pages. We have a Mentors Program where experienced and trained parents provide one-to-one support to new families of premature babies.

Preemie-L has held four conferences, in Detroit 1998 and Chicago 1999 and in Estes Park, Colorado, August 24-26, 2001 and August 19-21 2004. Some of the conference papers are available on the Resources page.

The purpose of Parents of Premature Babies Inc. (Preemie-L) is to support families of premature babies while the babies are in hospital and as they grow up. We aim to do this by:

• providing the Preemie-L List and Discussion Forum

• publishing online information and support resources for families of premature babies and the professionals who care for them

• encouraging developmentally supportive family-centered care in newborn intensive and special care nurseries

• encouraging hospitals to compile and make available outcome information based on their own statistics, so that parents can make informed decisions about the care and treatment of their premature babies

• encouraging research into the causes and consequences of prematurity
  
  
  

Preemie-L provides a safety net for families who would otherwise feel alone at one of the most stressful and anxious times of their lives. We are here to listen to each other, to reach out to those who are feeling lost and to share friendship and understanding. As our babies grow, we can celebrate their milestones and achievements, and be there for new parents who are just beginning the journey.

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