Your stories

Mum reclining in a hospital chair with her baby wrapped in blanket and resting on her chest

Stories and features about babies born premature or sick, their families and the health professionals who care for them.

Featured Story

“I’d literally stare at my son all night until his mum woke up and was with him” — Ryan's Story #NeonatalFeelings

Posted on November 07, 2024

For World Prematurity Day this year, Ryan shares how he struggled with his mental health after bringing his son home from the NICU.
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Toni 1

“I’ve never known a heartbreak like it” - Toni’s #FullTermFeelings

February 16, 2023

For Full Term Awareness Month, Toni shares her advice to other parents who have had a baby born full-term but sick. After a great pregnancy, her son…
C1

“We were terrified of him getting RSV or another winter illness” - Candice’s story

February 15, 2023

Candice's baby boy William was unexpectedly born at 32 weeks. In her story she tells us about her neonatal journey, including what it was like to…
Rachel 1

“Trust your instincts, but also have faith in our wonderful NHS” - Rachel’s #FullTermFeelings

February 09, 2023

For Full Term Awareness Month, Rachel shares her story of having a baby born full term but sick. Her daughter Mila needed treatment for persistent…
Emma

“My partner kept reminding that the nurses had years of experience” - Emma’s #FullTermFeelings

February 01, 2023

For Full Term Awareness Month, Emma shares details on what happened when her baby boy, Marco, was born at full term. Marco ended up needing neonatal…
Luke 1

“The unit became a comfort” - Luke’s story

January 05, 2023

Luke shares his experience of having a baby born prematurely. His son, James (Jim) was born at 31 weeks and spent time in different neonatal units…
Aiden 3

“It was all new to us and very scary” - Aidan’s story

December 20, 2022

Aidan and his wife Holly knew that their baby boy Teddy would need neonatal care. In his story, he shares details about the ups and downs of Teddy's…
Honey 1

“Guilt is a feeling that stayed with me” – Honey’s story

December 14, 2022

Honey went into labour at 38 weeks and didn't expect her baby girl Sophie to end up in NICU. Honey shares details of her experience of being in…
Debbie 1

“We have lovely memories of decorating the Christmas tree on the unit” - Debbie’s story

December 09, 2022

Debbie gave birth to her twins Daisy and Oliver at 26 weeks and five days and spent Christmas on the unit. She shares details about their neonatal…
Marija

“You feel as though your body has failed you” - Marija’s story

December 05, 2022

Marija gave birth to her daughter Lea at 26 weeks. She shares details of her neonatal journey, including her PTSD diagnosis, and offers her advice to…
P and B 1

“Reflecting on our neonatal experience is tough” - Alice’s story

November 23, 2022

Alice shares her experience of giving birth to twins at 23 weeks and four days. Peggy and Bodhi were in hospital for five months, but they’re now…
Simone

“Being in the NICU is emotionally challenging” - Simone’s story

November 21, 2022

Simone shares her experience of giving birth to her baby girl Phoenix at 29 weeks and offers her advice to parents currently going through a neonatal…
Duncan 1

“I was diagnosed with PTSD months after our baby came home from NICU” - Duncan’s story #ByYourSide

November 17, 2022

Today, on World Prematurity Day 2022, Duncan shares his experience of having a baby girl at 28 weeks. He wants to break down mental health stigmas,…
Chris 2

"I tried to stay strong" - Chris' story #ByYourSide

November 14, 2022

Ahead of World Prematurity Day, Chris reflects on his experience as a dad who had a baby boy born prematurely. In his story, he shares what practical…
Sarah 1

“We were told that we would never bring him home” – Sarah’s story #ByYourSide

November 11, 2022

Sarah shares her experience of giving birth to her baby boy Zayne at 24 weeks. Zayne weighed 449 grams but is now at home with his family.
NR 1

We were just like your baby – Rebecca and Natacha’s story #ByYourSide

November 11, 2022

Rebecca and Natacha were born 15 weeks early at University College Hospital London. They are now 13 years old, and for World Prematurity Day they…
Kim 2

“Together you’ll get through this” – Kim’s story #ByYourSide

November 08, 2022

Kim shares her story of giving birth to a premature baby at 25 weeks whilst on holiday in Spain. Ava was born in Lanzarote, before receiving…
Alma 1

“Prayer got me through the dark days” - Alma’s story #ByYourSide

November 04, 2022

Alma gave birth to her daughter Aafiya at 34 weeks and five days. She shares her journey of having a premature baby while having Covid-19. Aafiya…
Gemma 1

“I had to fight for my little girl” – Gemma’s story #ByYourSide

October 28, 2022

Gemma’s baby girl was born at 29 weeks, weighing one pound and six ounces. Gemma shares the ups and downs of their three-month-long NICU journey.

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