From Prematurity to Purpose

The Inspiring Story of Sarah Ward

The unmatched strength, capabilities, and heroism of mothers never ceases to amaze us. In honor of Prematurity Awareness Month, a cause close to our hearts, we specifically want to highlight the heroism of Sarah Ward, an author, preemie mom, advocate for early literacy, and real-life superhero. 

Celebrating NICU Moms During Prematurity Awareness Month

Sarah’s story reflects the strength and resilience of mothers who navigate the unexpected journey of prematurity. When she was only 28 weeks pregnant, Sarah experienced discomfort, and went to the hospital as a precaution. She quickly learned she was already dilating, and one of her twins was in distress. After an emergency C-section, she and her husband were soon the proud but overwhelmed parents of twin girls who required immediate NICU care. In the days and weeks that followed, Sarah faced countless highs and lows, holding onto hope even amid the uncertainty.

Sarah recalls the first time they read to their daughters in the NICU as a defining moment. “As we sat alone, speechless, my husband pulled out On the Night You Were Born, by Nancy Tillman, and began to read. A nurse popped in and encouraged us, explaining how beneficial reading is for preemies. From that moment on, reading became our primary way of caring for our girls until we were finally able to hold them a week later,” Sarah remembers. Reading became their way of connecting, even when the twins experienced challenges like brain bleeds, ROP, and blood transfusions.

“NICU life is truly a rollercoaster of emotion.  I’ll admit, we had it easy compared to most.  Most days were just set on meeting the next milestone.  My least favorite memory was holding twin A and she coded.  That might have been one of the scariest moments of my life.  The team was amazing and brought her back and assured me that I did nothing wrong, but I still carry that guilt." One of the twins was in the NICU for 60 days, and the other for 78 days. 

"My favorite moment was holding both girls together for the first time.  They immediately found each other’s hand and would not let go.  We learned to focus on rejoicing in the little moments and not taking anything for granted.”

18 months later, Sarah and her husband were expecting a son. Sarah delivered at 37 weeks, and shortly after birth, her son was taken to the NICU for breathing difficulties. 

“That fear and uncertainty rushed back and I felt defeated once again.  Faith got us through it all.  We struggled to tell our 2-year-old girls that they couldn’t meet their brother yet, but they were excited to bring a book for us to read to him.”

Sarah holding her son in the NICU. 

Creating the Reading Through the NICU Program

When Sarah and her son returned home one week later, she knew she wanted to give back to the community that supported them. “My husband said a children’s book would be perfect since he was unable to find one during our girl’s hospital stay.  I presented him with a poem I wrote after we brought the twins home and he said it was perfect.  At that moment, Little Ward Books was created and our Reading Through the NICU program began!”

Reading Through the NICU is a program that supplies books to NICU families across the country. Starting with her own heartfelt book, Our NICU Journey, Sarah created a keepsake that honors medical teams and nonprofits who help families, and educates siblings on what it means to have a baby in the NICU. Our NICU Journey offers parents and caregivers a simple way to explain the experience to children while fostering a sense of pride in their family’s strength.

Through Reading Through the NICU, Sarah works with hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses, and organizations like Babies with Books to ensure families have access to reading materials. The international NICU Read-A-Thon each September, hosted by Babies with Books, raises awareness about the importance of reading in the NICU.

“Providing resources to families who need encouragement is such an effective way to give back,” says Sarah. “To anyone looking for a way to support NICU families, host a book drive to show them love and support!”

Sarah’s three children proudly displaying their mother’s first book. 

The Importance of Reading in the NICU

Reading in the NICU offers many benefits, helping babies develop senses, memory, and language skills while reducing stress for both parents and infants. In the NICU, where parents may feel helpless, reading becomes a therapeutic way to bond. Research shows that reading can foster neurological development and aid in parent-baby bonding, a connection that may be delayed by the physical barriers of NICU care. “Reading is a way for parents to feel close to their babies, giving them a sense of control and purpose,” says Sarah. “Starting this habit early can support family bonding and encourage a lifelong love of reading.”

Support for NICU Families

Sarah emphasizes the importance of family support and resources during a NICU stay. Nonprofits like Beads of Courage, which provides a bead for every procedure and milestone a preemie endures, give children a tangible reminder of their journey. “Our girls still have their beads, and when they feel scared, holding them reminds them they’re capable of getting through hard times,” says Sarah. March of Dimes also played a crucial role in Sarah’s experience, organizing meetups, crafting events, and more, bringing a sense of normalcy and camaraderie to her time at the hospital.

More About Sarah Ward

Inspired by her own children, Sarah writes heartfelt stories that encourage family reading. She is the mother of twins and a son, each of whom experienced time in the NICU before coming home to thrive. With a B.S. in public health and behavior and a degree in dental hygiene, Sarah is passionate about family literacy and community health. To learn more about her program and books, visit Little Ward Books or search Reading Through the NICU on social media.

Sarah Ward, author and Neonatal ICU advocate.