June 26, 1978.

That was the day my mother was told was her official due date with me.

Like any first time mom, my mother read every piece of information she could get her hands on regarding pregnancy. She wanted to know the best foods to eat, the best exercises to do, the best environments to be around, etc. She wanted to give me the best possible chance to be the healthiest baby I could be. It’s actually crazy to think that 38 years ago, ultrasounds weren’t yet administered. So truly, all my mother had to go on when it came to her pregnancy with me was her doctor, books and the shared wisdom from other women.

My mother kept a journal throughout her pregnancy with me. She would jot down cravings, new movements from me, potential names, weight gains and just her feelings in the moment. I love reading through it because you can see this bond that we already had, even though I wasn’t actually here yet. It was cute because she would countdown in her journal with cute little things like, “Only 23 weeks to go until I meet my baby!”

As all pregnant women know, our childbirth plans don’t always go as planned.

On May 22nd, 1978, while teaching her high school English class, my mother felt a sudden gush of water – right there while standing in class. She became terrified in that exact moment because she knew that this “gush” wasn’t something that was normal, at least not yet. My mother happened to be wearing a new pair of white maternity capris that day (it’s amazing how she remembers these details ’til this day!), and she stopped class and asked one of her female student’s in the front row if there was blood on her pants. Her student said that it just looked like water, not blood. Fortunately, my father was a guidance teacher at the same high school, so the students ran to get him and immediately my parents raced off to Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, RI.

My mother and father found out that her water had broken… 6 weeks early. This part always makes me cry, even to this day, because I just think of my mother and how scared and nervous she must have been for me. Even as a seasoned mom, this would frighten you… but a first-time mom? It just makes my heart hurt.

My mother was admitted to the hospital and was given Pitocin to bring on labor, but unfortunately nothing was working. She wasn’t progressing. I wasn’t progressing. My Mom always says that it was almost like I had changed my mind, but it was too late. For the next 24 hours, my mother hoped and prayed for something to happen with me, but noting was happening. Finally, one of the obstetricians from her practice came in to check on her and me – ironically, one my mother never really felt a great connection with throughout her pregnancy – and said, “We’re prepping you for an emergency C-section.” Again, not in my mom’s time and place, but she said she wanted to kiss the doctor at that point because she just wanted me out – safe and sound!

On May 23rd, 1978 at 5:53 pm – I, Audrey Allison Couto, was born. I was 4 pounds, 9 ounces. My father said that I literally fit in the palm of his hand, I was so tiny. I was whisked off immediately to the NICU at Women and Infants and placed in an incubator for 12 days.

My mother and father had to leave the hospital without me, but came back every single day, multiple times, to see me. I know this was incredibly difficult for my parents and it really does just ache to think about them worrying and hoping and praying that all would be OK with me. My mother was so nervous, she couldn’t take any photos of me during that time. The first photos of me are when I was finally discharged from the hospital, two weeks later.

I’m sharing this story because it’s part of my history.
It’s part of who I am.
It’s the story of my beginning.

As you know, I’m part of the Pampers Blogger Board. I’ve always been impressed with the incredible things that Pampers does for ALL babies. They are celebrating World Prematurity Day in November in a beautiful and special way. Pampers is the first major diaper brand to offer a diaper specifically designed for the most vulnerable premature babies born in the second trimester and weighing as little as 1 pound (500 grams). It’s impressive to see how much technology has advanced in the last 38 years and I’m glad to know that these special tiny babies will have the comfort and attention they so much need.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy4nmxvZoKQ&list=PLcl8rDX9i6_ct2OYOiid8H__LgYU9BjUv

Every year, the number of premature births in the U.S. continues to rise and the survival rate of these tiny babies is increasing. Premature births accounted for 1 in 10 babies in 2015 and nurses told Pampers that currently available preemie diapers do not conform to a premature baby’s shape and the proper positioning for optimal development. I’m beyond happy to share that Pampers partnered with NICU nurses to design and introduce the new Pampers Preemie Swaddlers size P-3 diaper, which is three sizes smaller than a newborn diaper.

Bringing gentle touches of love to the most vulnerable babies in the NICU is so important. Even with me, it was crucial to have as much skin to skin contact with my parents as possible, it’s critical for a healthy development. I commend Pampers for seeing this opportunity to help NICU babies. Pampers knows that the diaper is a small part of baby’s journey, but they’re so proud to be providing that initial touch of love.

Pampers has joined forces with March of Dimes, the only national organization dedicated to finding the causes of preterm birth and together, under the Touches of Love campaign this fall, they will celebrate all babies, especially those in the NICU, and those who care for them. Through World Prematurity Day (November 17), Pampers invites everyone to join the celebration by sharing pictures of your baby’s #touchesoflove moments with @Pampers on Twitter and @PampersUS on Instagram. For every post, using #touchesoflove, Pampers will make a $1 donation to the March of Dimes.

I will be sharing my #touchesoflove moment with everyone, join me and share yours too!

Disclosure: Sponsored posting with Pampers.