I have been a nicu nurse for 40 years but unfortunately 38 years ago I had may own premi. Brian was 6weeks early shouldn't be to much maybe a little respiratory distress. But Brian didn't read that plan he started with respiratory distress but what into other issues. Had a seizure then he went onto other issues to put it in layman's terms his body oxygenated like it did in utero so the blood bypassed the lungs and his body wasn't getting the oxygen he needed. Also had 4 chest tubes. He was critical for 2 weeks and then spent 4 months in the hospital because back in 1979 infant's didn't go home on O2. Being a nicu nurse does not prepare you for the roller coaster ride when you infant is so sick. My husband was in the army go we were not around family and the first month he was in a different city one and a half hours from home. I knew to much and really thought he wasn't going to make it so I knew the feelings my patient parents went through. As I heard the father say on tv this am if baby is having a good day then you are. I cried a lot but then the day comes you get to bring him home. Brian is now 38 but unfortunately Brian's problem had different treatments back then because we didn't have the technology we have to so Brian is special needs and is low vision but with the help of the regional center in Ca Brian does live on his own and he bowls with me but I do have to keep track of how his life is going and I am payee for his social security he does work a few hours a week at the med center here working in cafeteria sweeping floors ect the company only disabled people work there. I remember what I went through like it was yesterday and mothers and fathers go through the experience differently. I used my knowledge and feelings of what I went through and for awhile ran a support group in my unit to help parents validate feeling and let them know most parents went through with these feeling. Most mothers blame themselves when they have a premi it is not their fault that is what I always told mothers then I had my own premi and for a while thought it was my own fault. Brian is happy today and is doing well. I was lucky 3 years after Brian my daughter was born on her due date.