Brave and Strong

A Preemie's Journey Hohm Press Pages: 32 pages Size: Paper, 6 X 8 1/2 inches ISBN: 978-1-942493-51-8 This easy-to-read picture book-available in both English and Bilingual editions-imagines a premature baby's journey into the world, told from the baby's perspective. The title, VALIENTE Y FUERTE / BRAVE AND STRONG, characterizes the mood of the book, which is meant to encourage moms and other family members about the inherent urgency for survival that these newborns possess. While not avoiding the serious issues caused by stress and risk that exist on all parts (mothers, families, child's), the book presents a positive outcome with a successful birth and love as triumphant. The incidence of premature births, defined as anything less than 39 weeks of gestation, has been growing in recent years, particularly among certain populations in the U.S. and Worldwide. The good news, however, is that for those who have access to pregnancy counseling, nutrition services and hospital care, particularly the presence of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (N-I-C-U), the rates can be decreased, chances of survival increased and long-term negative effects greatly diminished. The authors, as well as the team at Hohm Press, are proud to present this small contribution toward increasing the positive mental and emotional energy that can support mother and child at this critical time. Michelle Hackney and Mia Ortiz-Gandara have collaborated on a previous book, Mama's Leche (Hohm Press, 2018) and are both advocates for children and supporters of women and breastfeeding.