Our Beginning

Preemie Power of Wisconsin (PPOW) was founded in January 2016 by a group of Wisconsin Preemie Mothers whose lives were changed by prematurity.  Our micro Preemies spent months in the NICU before finally being discharged.  Having a Preemie in the NICU is a life altering event and in many cases, you are not at all prepared for it.  Our experiences in the NICU led us to the conclusion that while there are many resources to prevent prematurity, there are very few available to support frightened families that find themselves in the NICU.

The reality

Despite all of us having had Preemies that spent significant time in the NICU, we were shocked to find out just how prevalent the issue of prematurity is right here in Wisconsin.  Impacting our families, our neighbors, and our communities.

Our Mission

In 2015, over 6,000 babies were born prematurely in Wisconsin.  Over 15% of those Preemies were delivered at less than 32 weeks gestation (very prematurely).  Many of these babies will have extended NICU stays.  So will their families.  PPOW was established to support these Preemies and their families, helping families transition to the often abrupt new life of the NICU, encouraging family engagement and Preemie development, ultimately leading to successful NICU discharges and Preemies that thrive upon discharge.

6,251

# of premature births in Wisconsin in 2015

995

# of Wisconsin Preemies considered "very premature" in 2015

engaging families

Studies have shown that family engagement is critical to the success of a Preemie not only in the NICU, but also as they grow and develop outside of the NICU.  Families that understand what is happening in the NICU feel more empowered to engage in the care of their Preemie.  Reducing stress to families reduces stress to the Preemie.

Studies have also shown a positive correlation between babies and toddlers that are read to by a parent to future development and literacy.  This is especially true for Preemies.  Reading to a Preemie also offers the ability to bond when holding or touching a Preemie is not possible.

PPOW has created a support package that addresses these and also contains items that we as NICU parents would have liked to have had in the NICU.

Get Involved

There are many ways you can help!!  Of course, monetary donations are always helpful as we are able to negotiate pricing on our bulk orders of package supplies.  We are happy to accept donations of any package supplies.  And we will even pick them up! We LOVE (and so do our Preemie families) hand made items - knitted and crocheted hats, sweater, booties, ANYTHING!  It gives the packages a personal touch.  We are also open to new ideas!