The Early Edition
a collection of wisdom and discussions from the on line support group...PREEMIE-L

vol 1 edition 1      September 1997

Mission
Statement...page 2

Topics of the
month...pages 3 - 6
tough adjustments; handedness in preemies; male bonding

E-Male...page 7
A male view of the preemie experience

Expressions...pages 8 - 10
breastfeeding views and advice

Itty Bitty
Baby Tips...pages 11 - 12
tips on coming home with a monitor

Dealings...pages 13 - 14
exploring the emotions of life with a preemie..topic guilt

Your thoughts
here...pages 15 - 16
dealing with the comments of those *who don't have a clue*

Imagine...page 17
members help others imagine what it is like to have a premature child

Editorial Notes...page 18

This newsletter is the brainchild of an internet support group known as PREEMIE-L.  

PREEMIE-L was formed just about 18 months ago out of one couple's desperate search for information and support after the premature birth of their son.  When Vincent was born at 26 weeks, Gary Hardy and Anne Casey turned to the internet in search of information, advice, and support... they found very little.  Hoping there were others out there in the same search, they formed an incredible support network, consisting of a web site, and e-mail based, as well as message board type, discussion forums.  Their hope was to create a way for parents and caregivers premature children to find each other, and share their knowledge, experiences, and questions.  That support network has literally exploded.  The network now spans the globe and consists of  hundreds of members.  The group includes not only parents and extended family members, but also many doctors, nurses, therapists, and even authors.

One of the overwhelming remarks we hear with new members is that they wished they had found such support earlier...

We hope this newsletter will be a way to expand the reach of PREEMIE-L, and bring it to those without internet capabilities.

This newsletter is a way to tap into the various topics currently being discussed by PREEMIE-L.  The one overall idea is that knowledge gives us power, and the ability to make informed educated decisions. Like any good discussion, the topics are not always happy ones.  We must explore the dark sides of having premature children if we are to truly understand and cope.

Be patient, the face and the content of this newsletter is bound to go through many changes in the editions to come.  We hope to continue to add columns and information as our vision grows. We are currently working on adding columns dealing with multiples, special needs, and dealing with the prematurity issues as the the children grow older.

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