Recognising the youngest of lives for World Prematurity Day
New parents, volunteers and maternity staff from Epsom and St Helier hospitals took the time to recognise the lives of premature babies recently, as they marked World Prematurity Day.
The group gathered in the Neonatal Unit at St Helier Hospital, which provides intensive and specialised care to babies who are born from as early as 23 weeks. Matron for the unit, Catherine Swanson said: “Each year, our unit cares for approximately 350 babies, with some of our smallest patients weighing as little as 500 grams (equivalent to just two blocks of butter).
“For us, Prematurity Day is about marking the strength of spirit we see from babies and their worried families, and the loving bonds that develop on our unit. It’s never easy to be the parent or guardian of a sick or premature baby, which is why it’s so important that we pay tribute to those who arrive too early.”
New parents Elisa and Axel Aschehoug were also part of the proceedings, as their son Theo – who arrived 14 weeks early and weighing less than a kilogram – has been receiving care in the Neonatal Unit. Elisa said: “The nurses have been amazing all the way through our stay, from the first hour of intensive care to the nursery at the end while Theo was practising feeding.
“They look after your baby in the best possible way and although they work long hours they also take the time to talk to you and support you through the long journey. The doctors are great too, as they complete difficult medical procedures on such tiny babies, and also take the time to explain what is physiologically happening with your child.
“And lastly, the consultants are also good at updating you when there are setbacks and explaining the various options as objectively as possible. That’s not to mention, of course, the friendly smiles and little chats of the admin staff and cleaning people of the unit that you learn to know after over two months.
“It has been a tough journey and Theo will still have to be followed much more closely than a baby who arrived at full term, and is more at risk of respiratory disease. And of course, most of his milestones will be made from his corrected ages, as his due date was 17 December.”
Chief Nurse Charlotte Hall said: “I would to thank all of the staff and volunteers who support the Neonatal Unit – they provide compassionate, expert care all the year round and I know they make such an incredible difference to hundreds of local families. The Prematurity Day Events are always a great success, and I would like to thank the team for taking the time to arrange them, as well as parents like Elisa and Axel who played an important part in the day.”
