Lucas was born nearly 8 weeks premature on 21st December 2020. Nobody can prepare you for leaving the hospital without your baby and the following weeks/months was a terrifying experience that I had no awareness of whatsoever . Lucas spent over 5 weeks in hospital, several of which were in intensive care, however we were lucky enough to be able to bring him home. The amazing work done by the nurses and doctors is supported by SPOONS and the whole experience is only made with everyone’s ongoing support. Therefore starting on Lucas due date, 12th Feb 2021, I’ll be running (very slowly) 5k for every day that he was born premature.

Due to their own personal experiences of neonatal care SPOONS understand and empathise with families who find themselves in similar circumstances. Their primary focus is on supporting the whole family, practically and emotionally from admission to the neonatal unit and beyond, allowing NHS colleagues to concentrate on the provision of clinical care. They offer a range of support services for families to access on the neonatal units and within the community including the provision of:

• Peer support networks and volunteering opportunities
• Outreach sessions with health care professionals
• Sibling support
• Financial help with transport and accommodation costs
• Provision of facilities, equipment and activities

80% of mums of babies who have experienced neonatal care suffer from mental health issues with PTSD being common.  A difficult birth and having a premature or sick baby who needs medical intervention can definitely be described as a traumatic event. A neonatal experience is a stressful and anxious time for most parents and their focus is on the baby and keeping everything together. They often don’t have the capacity to think about the impact on their mental health.  For some parents this can result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder months or years later and the long term effects can be challenging. Spoons aim to support the mental health of families who have experienced neonatal care, including bereaved parents.