NNU Patient Stories – Chloe

“It was our first pregnancy and all was well antenatally until 29 weeks when Chloe was suddenly born in the car at the roadside. She was then brought into MKUH neonatal unit by ambulance as this was the nearest hospital.

Chloe’s weight at birth was 1.500kg and we spent 3 weeks in intensive care followed by 3 weeks in the nursery rooms, and were discharged when Chloe was 6 weeks old (35 weeks gestation).

Spending time on the neonatal unit was an absolute emotional rollercoaster with many joyful days as well as others feeling like you had hit rock bottom. The support we received was absolutely paramount to our journey – not only for the health and wellbeing of Chloe but also for ourselves. At times, it feels like it will never end but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Even though our journey was traumatic, we wouldn’t change a thing as it became the special story for our little girl.

The thing that helped us most was getting involved as much as possible such as with Chloe’s care, feeds, medicines and most importantly spending as much time as you can by their bedside and having cuddles as much as possible. It not only helped Chloe but also helped us feel like ‘normal’ parents, as much as we could. The whole experience has only made the bond between us all even stronger, with many happy memories even while on the unit.”