Did you know... Jackie Kennedy had 2 premature babies. We've learned a lot since then!

With all the news coverage this week of the Kennedy assassination, I remembered reading a book a few years ago about the life of Jacqueline Kennedy.   I recall reading a few months before she lost her husband, she lost her son Patrick, who was born prematurely.  He died only 40 hours after he was born from Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

I remember when my son Joseph was born prematurely, the neonatologist warned us of what they now call RSV, which is basically the same thing. The babies lungs are not fully developed and they are at risk for respiratory viruses.  Fortunately for us, the March of Dimes had developed surfactant therapy, which was given to Joseph twice before his birth which helped his lungs develop.

John Jr. was also born prematurely.  During that time, it was common for women to smoke during pregnancy. Now we know that smoking is a leading cause of premature births.