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.

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“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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A collage of images of Elleasha's baby

“I hope that I never get separated from my baby again” - Elleasha’s story #ByYourSide

October 27, 2022

Elleasha shares the traumatic experience her and her husband faced when separated from her baby boy Keyun at birth. From their neonatal journey, she…
Sophie 1

“I didn’t realise how many full-term babies get admitted to NICU” – Sophie’s story

October 24, 2022

Two of Sophie’s children were born at full-term and admitted to NICU. In her story, she compares her two experiences of being on the unit, firstly…
Kelly's baby Lily

“Post-traumatic stress disorder and postnatal depression aren’t spoken about enough” – Kelly’s story

October 19, 2022

Kelly gave birth to her daughter Lily at 35 weeks and two days. She shares her experience of post-traumatic stress disorder and postnatal depression…
Emily's baby on the unit

"It's taken a long time to accept what happened" - Emily's story

October 17, 2022

Emily gave birth to her daughter Heidi one day before her due date. She shares details about her traumatic experience of being admitted to the HDU…
Naomi 2

“Make sure you do things for yourself” – Naomi’s story

October 07, 2022

Naomi gave birth to her daughter Charlotte unexpectedly at 28 weeks. As Charlotte was so unwell, they were transferred to Great Ormond Street…
Dally's babies feet

“The Bliss stories page got me through those nights at hospital” - Dally’s story

September 21, 2022

Dally shares her experience of having a baby born prematurely, and undiagnosed severe pre-eclampsia. As her baby turns one, she reflects on her…
Emelia's baby Caleb, sitting up

“The journey feels like the hardest thing in the world” - Emelia’s story

September 08, 2022

As Caleb celebrates his first birthday, Emelia reflects on their neonatal journey and how far they have come since he was born on 10 September 2021.
Abbie holding her twins in the NICU

“We drew upon our babies’ strength to keep us going” – Abbie’s story

August 30, 2022

Abbie gave birth to twins at 27 weeks and five days. For a lot of her neonatal journey, her twins spent time in a hospital miles from their home. She…
Feroza's twins on the unit

“It was really draining on my mental health” - Feroza’s story

August 26, 2022

Feroza shares her experience of having twins born prematurely, at 25 weeks.
Dolly's baby in the incubator

“Why I didn’t kiss my baby for 3 ½ weeks” – Dolly’s story

August 19, 2022

Dolly shares her experience of having a premature baby born at 31 weeks, and how special it was when she kissed him for the first time.
A collage of Umal and her family

“After hardship comes ease” – Umal’s story

August 12, 2022

Umal shares her experience of having three children born prematurely, and how her faith and family guide her through difficult times.
Leaine's baby Zara Grace in NICU, with wires attached to her

“I thought she wasn’t going to make it but she did – it was a miracle” – Leaine’s story

July 28, 2022

Leaine shares her experience of giving birth to her daughter Zara Grace at 26 weeks and four days, after developing severe pre-eclampsia.
Sara and her son Ben, who is holding the children's book Sara wrote

“Remember just how strong you are” - Sara’s story

July 21, 2022

Sara takes us through her journey of being pregnant with twin boys, James and Ben. She bravely shares the difficult decision to terminate one…
Brooke's son Kody, on the unit

“Talk about pre-eclampsia, because you could save a life” – Brooke and Kody’s story

June 30, 2022

Brooke gave birth to her baby boy Kody on 3 July 2016 at 27 weeks and one day. His sixth birthday is this week, so please join us in celebrating and…
Ethan's baby holding his finger

“The biggest thing that helped me as a dad was to talk to other dads” - Ethan’s story

June 24, 2022

Ethan shares his experience of losing his baby, Oliver, at 145 days old. He offers advice for parents and particularly other Dads who may have lost a…
Jason holding his twins at home

“NICU dads feel the pain, fear and worry but sometimes don’t show it” - Jason’s story

June 16, 2022

This Father’s Day Jason reflects on his experience as a NICU Dad, and what being a Dad to Zac, Xavi and Anya means to him.
Tom looking at his baby in her incubator

“I’m extremely proud to be her Dad and always will be” – Tom’s story

June 16, 2022

Tom shares his experience of having a premature baby born at 29 weeks and five days, on the very first day the UK went into lockdown on 23 March…
Samantha 2

“It broke my heart seeing the babies covered in wires and tubes” - Samantha’s story

May 25, 2022

Samantha and her wife Alex had twins delivered early at 35+5 weeks and knew that the chances of them needing neonatal care was high. Honey and Bowie…

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