My story,

Charlie arrived 27th April 2023 and aspirated meconium and fluids which can be fatal.

We didn’t know this at the time and thought nothing of it until I noticed his breathing wasn’t normal, I raised this 3x with midwives and on the 3rd attempt they checked him over and his oxygen levels weren’t rising.

We had charlie for 18 hours he didn’t cry, he wasn’t interested in feeding and his chest was flailing up & down rapidly. Charlie was in respiratory distress and had an infection too he was taken in to Neonatal intensive care unit where he stayed for 2 weeks.

We had to learn first aid, what to look for if he goes into respiratory distress, learn how to use oxygen canisters, learn how to change oxygen tubes on top of being first time parents was terrifying. We had regular visits from the NCOT team to monitor Charlie’s oxygen & wellbeing.

I’ve never known anyone in intensive care and for my little baby boy that I carried for 9 months to be there I was broken I cried every time I visited him I couldn’t be strong for him or anyone.

I was readmitted as a patient due preeclampsia & an infection in my c-section wound so I was able to visit Charlie often and breastfeed which I found a bad experience & had to cut that journey short which saddened me. I was in a wheelchair for most of it and having to re-learn to walk was difficult as it took me longer due to the medication.

This has left me with PTSD from my traumatic experience, issues with mental health and I’m still recovering from preeclampsia with my blood pressure being high.

Charlie is now 9 months old and doing amazing, he’s not discharged from hospital yet but we’re hoping to get there soon! I reversed the diabetes but my blood pressure is still under review.

Bliss helped us on the ward with advice and they support babies born premature or sick ❤️

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I am participating in the "Bake for Bliss 2024" event, a fundraiser that aims to raise vital funds for babies born premature or sick. This cause is incredibly close to my heart and my family's. The work that Bliss does to support these babies and their parents both inside and outside the hospital wards is absolutely vital.

As a participant in this event, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these precious little ones. Every pound we raise will go towards providing essential care, support, and resources for premature and sick babies, giving them the best possible start in life.

Thank you for your generosity and support!