Imagine eagerly awaiting the arrival of a tiny new member in your family, counting down the weeks until that magical due date. But sometimes, life has other plans.

Premature births, when babies are born before the 37th week of pregnancy, bring a whirlwind of emotions, from anxiety to hope. This phenomenon, though once rare, is now more common, touching families across the globe.

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that, in 2020, over 13.4 million babies were born prematurely in the world. This meant that preterm birth accounted for 1 out of 10 births that year. These numbers have seen an upward tick in the years that followed.

Even amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, many celebrities have faced premature births. Despite their fame and fortune, they experienced the same heartaches and triumphs as any other parent.

Today, we’ll explore the stories of star-studded preterm births in an attempt to normalize them for all parents.
3 Celebrity Couples Who Recently Had Premature Babies
Premature births are a profound and challenging experience that can happen to anyone, regardless of their status. The celebrity stories we discuss below highlight the universal struggles and triumphs of welcoming a premature baby.

Sarah Herron and Dylan Brown

Sarah Herron, a former contestant on “The Bachelor,” and her husband Dylan Brown welcomed their twin daughters into the world on July 1, 2024.
The twins – Everette Rae and Colette Rose – were born prematurely at 32 weeks, a surprising 5 weeks earlier than expected. This early arrival has meant that the family is currently navigating life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
In an emotional Instagram post, Sarah shared their story, expressing her gratitude for the care team and the prayers from their supporters. She described the girls as fighters who are getting stronger every day.
This journey comes after a tragic loss for the couple, who lost their son Oliver in January 2023. He was also born prematurely at 24 weeks and passed away shortly after birth.
The experience has deeply impacted the way they approach parenthood, infusing it with a sense of gratitude and love​

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Scarlett Moffatt and Scott Robinson

Scarlett Moffatt, a well-known star from “Gogglebox,” and her partner Scott Robinson welcomed their son Jude in June 2023. Jude made an early entry into the world at 35 weeks after Scarlett’s water unexpectedly broke.

The delivery, marked by an emergency C-section, led to Jude being immediately taken to the neonatal unit for specialized care. Despite the unexpected premature birth, Scarlett and Scott have embraced the challenges and joys of parenting a preemie.

Scarlett, who had enjoyed a smooth pregnancy, shared the emotional journey of seeing her tiny baby needing extra support right after birth. The experience, while surreal and daunting, has strengthened their bond as a family.

Scarlett has adjusted to motherhood and often shares updates on Jude’s progress and milestones. The couple is already considering expanding their family, inspired by the love and joy Jude has brought into their lives.

Scarlett’s openness about her experience with premature birth offers comfort and solidarity to many other parents going through similar journeys.

Alexander and Lauren Ludwig

Alexander Ludwig, star of “Vikings,” and his wife Lauren Ludwig welcomed their first child, a daughter named Leni James Ludwig, on April 27, 2023. Leni arrived four weeks early, adding a layer of urgency and emotion to her birth.
Alexander, who was out of state filming, returned just in time for the delivery, which Lauren described as “a labor story for the books.”
Before Lauren’s pregnancy with newborn Leni, she had already experienced three miscarriages. Therefore, this time around, they decided to wait until they were fairly certain before breaking the news to the public in February 2023.
Lauren has always been open in acknowledging the physical and emotional challenges faced by women in pregnancy.
Alexander and Lauren’s experience highlights the emotional highs and lows that come with premature birth. Their story is a testament to the strength and perseverance required to overcome such hurdles, offering inspiration to many who face similar journeys.

The Nuances of Nutrition for a Premature Baby

Now that we’ve explored the moving stories of celebrity parents navigating through premature birth, it’s time to impart knowledge. Do you know what’s the major difference between caring for a preterm and a normal baby? Their nutritional needs.

Unlike full-term babies, preemies need specialized care to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrients essential for their growth and development. These tiny fighters have specific dietary requirements that demand careful attention and expertise.

Breast milk is often considered the best source of nutrition for preemies, providing antibodies and nutrients that help boost their fragile immune systems.
In fact, many premature babies might need fortifiers added to breast milk to meet their higher caloric and nutrient needs. For parents who are unable to breastfeed, specially formulated preemie formulas are available.

Picking the right feeding formula is a crucial decision for parents. This is because, a few years ago, some feeding formula brands were found to have caused Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in preemies. TorHoerman Law highlights NEC as a life-threatening gastrointestinal disease diagnosed almost exclusively in premature babies.

The parents who witnessed their newborns suffer from this disease filed an NEC baby formula lawsuit against their manufacturers. Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnsons and Company LLC are the defendants in these ongoing lawsuits.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do premature babies sleep more than regular babies?

Yes, they do. This tendency is partly due to their underdeveloped nervous systems, which require more rest to process sensory stimuli and regulate body functions. Premature infants may also experience sleep-wake cycles that are less structured initially, gradually maturing over time.

Does preterm birth expose babies to the threat of neurodevelopmental conditions?

Yes, preterm birth can increase the risk of neurodevelopmental conditions in babies. The immature development of their brain and nervous system affects their cognitive, motor, and behavioral skills later in life. Conditions such as cerebral palsy and autism are more prevalent among preterm babies compared to those born full-term.

How will I be affected in a preterm birth as a mother?

For mothers, a premature birth is a deeply exhausting experience, both physically and emotionally. Mothers of preemies are constantly riddled with guilt, worry, and anxiety for the well-being of their fragile babies. They’re also more prone to suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Whether the parents of a preterm baby are regular people or celebrities, they all go through the same tribulations in the initial months. After all, the status of a person’s profession has little to do with their parental role and responsibilities.

As more celebrity parents open up about their journey through premature birth, it strengthens the spirits of more struggling parents around the world.