Kids Pose With Photos of Themselves as Preemies to Give Parents Hope

The campaign is inspiring families to look forward to life outside the NICU.

ByABC News
April 6, 2016, 6:14 PM

— -- When a baby is born prematurely, terrified parents often worry for their little one's life.

But a new campaign showing now-big kids holding photos of themselves as teeny-tiny infants is meant to inspire parents to look forward to their family's life outside the NICU doors.

PHOTO: Celine was born at 34+4 weeks weighing a little over 5 pounds.
Celine was born at 34+4 weeks weighing a little over 5 pounds.
PHOTO: Poppy was born at 31+3 wks weighing about 2.5 pounds.
Poppy was born at 31+3 wks weighing about 2.5 pounds.

Started by the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation, an organization that provides support the parents of preemies and sick newborns, the #foot4prems project was launched in advance of the organization's "Wear Green for Preemies Day" on April 13. A premature baby is defined as a baby born before 37 weeks' gestation.

PHOTO: Israel was born at 30 weeks weighing about 3.5 pounds and spent the first few years of his life in and out of hospital.
Israel was born at 30 weeks weighing about 3.5 pounds and spent the first few years of his life in and out of hospital.
PHOTO: Tristan and his twin brother were born at 25 + 4 weeks due to spontaneous labour. Both boys were born alive. Tristan is now 4 years old. Heartbreakingly, his brother passed away in day four due to a grade 4 bleed on the brain.
Tristan and his twin brother were born at 25 + 4 weeks due to spontaneous labour. Both boys were born alive. Tristan is now 4 years old. Heartbreakingly, his brother passed away in day four due to a grade 4 bleed on the brain.

Several of the babies -- now kids -- featured thus far were born at fewer than 30 weeks' gestation, a fact hard to believe seeing them detached from tubes and out in the world.

More photos can be found on the organization's Facebook page.