Re: preemie-l Perception of Preemies from the "Outside"
Amy & Kyle Ellars (lrz@indy.net)
Sat, 15 Jun 1996 11:33:25 -0700
Todd, Suzanne and Glenn Palmer wrote:
>
> I too have never seen an article or news story that didn't portrey premature
> babies as anything but "tiny babies." Even the stories that touch on the
> extremely premature babes always have a sugar-coated ending.
>
> I think this is a great injustice to us all, on each side of the fence.
>
> It alienates us, as preemie parents, because most peoples' reactions are
> generally, "You're worrying too much. You need to relax. He'll be fine."
>
> I could have throttled so many people when Glenn was in the hospital.
Suzanne,
I'm beginning to think that most people just don't want to face reality.
I have wanted to correct(polite term for club) so many people for there
comments. My favorite was when Zoë was very ill-"Well, they can have
more children." I've never been so appalled.
It is a defense mechanism of these people to deny the severity of the
situation. Another favorite "Oh she'll be home in a couple weeks" We're
now going on 6 weeks.
I just have to forgive these people for their ignorance & try to remain
patient.
Amy-wife to Kyle & mom to Zoë 27weeker 1lb 12 oz born 5/9/96