Peekaboo ICU Beads :)

I ordered some ICU beads today and a nice bracelet.

I ordered beads to symbolize Amelia's journey.

Beads I got...

PDA Bead


Before birth, the baby's blood is oxygenated by the placenta, not the lungs. The ductus arteriosus allows blood to flow from the heart out into the rest of the body, instead of going to the lungs to pick up oxygen. After birth, when the baby begins to breathe, the ductus arteriosus should close to allow blood to flow to the lungs to become oxygenated. In preemies, it may remain open, causing Patent Ductus Arteriosis( PDA) A PDA, which occurs in 8% of infants born between 30 and 32 weeks and more often in younger preemies, causes abnormal circulation. Medication, surgery, or just time may be needed to help close the ductus.  This bead represents the PDA and the treatment that goes along with resolving this preemie condition.


Infection & Sepsis Bead

Premature babies have immature immune systems that may be inefficient at fighting off bacteria, viruses, and other organisms that can cause infection. Serious infections that are commonly seen in premature babies include pneumonia , sepsis ,and meningitis.  Babies can contract these infections at birth from their mother, or they may become infected after birth. Infections are treated with antibiotics or antiviral drugs.  This bead symbolizes the white blood cell- These tiny soldiers help the body fight infection by protecting against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.

Apnea and Bradycardia Bead

Because premature babies brains and lungs are immature; apnea, (periods where breathing stops) occurs in approximately 85% of babies born before 34 weeks gestation. Apnea may be accompanied with periods of bradycardia, (or “bradys”) where the heart slows down. Stimulation usually helps the baby start breathing again, and NICU monitors make sure that these episodes are caught right away. Premature babies will grow out of this with age. This bead represents the ups and downs that come with having apnea and bradycardia and the emotional and physical struggles to overcome these obstacles.

Respiratory Support Bead

Respiratory distress affects as many as 43% of premature babies born between 30 and 32 weeks, and almost all babies born before that time. Full-term babies make surfactant, a soapy like substance that helps keep the lungs inflated. Without enough surfactant, premature babies’ lungs don’t inflate well. Preemies may need artificial surfactant, or may need help breathing while their lungs mature. The bead design represents the air exchange within the lungs with the light blue circles representing aveoli that are expanded as the air moves in. This bead represents respiratory support needs while in the NICU.

Anaemia Bead

Premature infants often are anemic, which means they don't have enough red blood cells. Normally, the baby stores iron during the later months of pregnancy and uses it late in pregnancy and after birth to make red blood cells. Infants born too soon may not have had enough time to store iron. Preemies may also become anemic from blood loss before or during delivery, a mismatch of the baby’s and mother’s blood types, the need to take frequent blood samples to preform necessary laboratory tests, or an inability to make enough red blood cells to keep up with the preemie baby’s rapid growth rate. This bead represents the struggles with anemia, the constant and sometimes continues blood draws and the need for blood transfusions.

Holiday Bead

Spending the holidays in the NICU can be very difficult both emotionally and physically. This bead represents the time spent with your preemie as you celebrate Christmas together for the very first time.

The Teddy Bear Security Charm

The Teddy Bear is a symbol of cuddly gentleness and represents safety, loyalty, and protection.  The teddy bear often brings comfort and security to children in discouraging and frightening times.

Bravery Bead

Trust 

Celebration Bead

Ringing in the New Year is supposed to be fun and full of celebration. When your baby is in the NICU you may not feel like rejoicing over this global event. This bead represents spending this time with your preemie as you welcome a new year, full of possibility and hope.

Pebbled Path

"Nobody trips over mountains. It's the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain."

I got it with a 925 Silver bracelet with barrel clasp closure which comes with one Imprints on the Heart Preemie Footprints Charm.

I got it from the following site. 

http://peekabooicu.org/en/

I hope it doesnt take too long to get here... :)