Welcome Preemie Wednesday, 10/21

Meet Liham!

Liham was a preemie born at just 24 weeks! He is thriving and doing well.

“Liham was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 29th. We are currently living in New Jersey. When Liham was born, he was 24 weeks gestational, weighing 1.45 lbs. Now he is 24 months old, weighing 20 lbs! The most challenging part of the NICU was to just see him strapped and surrounded by so many wires and machines. It was very heart breaking. But the best part was being able to see him fight through all of it and making his way out of the NICU. A special memory from the NICU that will always stay with me is when I got to hold Liham for the first time and breastfeed. Even though I couldn’t produce much, Liham latched on really fast and he worked hard to get the milk. That moment was very special to me because that was our closest bonding moment. ️

Liham brings me joy in so many ways. But the most precious are his facial expressions, his awareness of what is happening around him, the way he works hard to reach his goals, and how friendly he is towards others. He is amazing and I am truly blessed that he chose me to be his mother. ️

 The best advice that I can give to new parents of a preemie is to have patience. Give your child the time he or she needs to reach their goals. Don’t expect anything and never compare with another child. Every child is different. So let them develop at their own pace. 

 I would like to give a shout out to the Maimonides Medical Center NICU team in New York. You guys became Liham’s first home and my second home. From the way you took care of my son and the way you guys made us feel so comfortable, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You guys are true superheroes in our hearts.”

-Afrina- (Liham’s Mother)