Ashleigh's Story

After a routine scan on Friday 4th November, my husband and I were told our baby girl might come a little early. There was no indication as to how early, but maybe 2-6 weeks...who knew? Layla was born two days later weighing 1lb 8oz.We spent 8 weeks in the NICU and SCBU at Ninewells. We spent our Christmas day sitting by her side and the same for Hogmany and New Year. It wasn't the festive season I'd imagined but we were with our little girl. A local school had donated some gift bags, filled with baby toiletries and first Christmas items. Layla had a little Christmas Tree hat and a Christmas outfit that was provided also. We found that this little gesture made our Christmas a little bit easier and want to help families who are now in the same situation as we were.

Rachael's Story

on 19 December 2016 at 10;30am I had gone to Ninewells for a routine check up where I had an ultrasound scan to check my baby's growth. Due to my previous history of losing a child at 31 weeks gestation because of growth restriction I was closely monitored. When having my scan at 10:30am the sonograher realised my son's growth had stopped. He hadn't put on weight for 2 weeks. He was estimated at 3lb 4oz. My consultant agreed to an emergency c-section that day and took no chances. At 4:55pm my little Arlo was born at 32 weeks gestation, weight 3lbs 12oz. The journey was traumatizing but Arlo was in good condition. He came out breathing himself which was a massive relief to us all. We spent Christmas Day by his bedside in Intensive Care. Santa came to visit Arlo and left a Christmas stocking and some presents. I was extremely grateful to be given some presents too. Arlo and I spent 22 days in hospital. I am forever grateful for the support offered. Arlo will be 1 shortly and I'd love to be able to give something back. Can you help, please?

Megan's Story
On the 20th Dec, I was looking forward to the last day of term. I'd planned to host Christmas Dinner for my family, put my feet up and plan for my baby's arrival on the 9th February. At 7:32am on 21st December Julian spontaneously entered the world, 7 weeks early at a surprisingly large 5lb 1oz. I was extremely fortunate to only have to spend 2 weeks in SCBU with Julian - 1 in Kirkcaldy's Victoria Hospital where he was born and 1 in Ninewells near to where we live. There had been no room at the inn for our Christmas miracle and the staff at both hospitals accommodated us despite being very full. Despite our situation being miraculously positive, I still found it extremely difficult not getting to take my child home with me, and spending Christmas and New Year away from the people closest to me. Whilst in Kirkcaldy the staff made every effort to ease my anxiety. Santa came to visit Julian with gifts, my partner Ryan and I were given Christmas dinner and I was given a present. We were spoiled with gifts and attention at Ninewells on Hogmany too. Ever since I have vowed to give something back to the hospitals to mark Julian's first birthday. I was lucky enough to meet Rachael and Ashleigh in hospital and sharing stories with them really helped me to cope. Not just when I was in there, but over the past year.

Together we have come through some tough times but our babies are thriving thanks to the NHS. We are looking to raise funds and are looking for gift donations to go towards both Ninewells and Kirkcaldy hospitals to give the parents and babies a very memorable Christmas. Donations of baby items for the gift bags, gifts for parents or just some pennies towards this would be greatly appreciated. Any money over and above the cost of the Christmas bags will be donated to each NCIU and SCBU in each hospital.

Our contact email for donations is christmasinscbu@gmail.com

Thank you,

Ashleigh and Layla,

Rachael and Arlo,

Megan and Julian.

xxx