Bonnie’s Story
On Unit: 15/02/2020 – 18/03/2020
Gestation: 29 + 2
Below, Kayleigh kindly shares her daughter Bonnie’s story with us.
‘It all started out as a normal scan and then I was told to get to Newcastle RVI asap. Over we went and I was under close observation constantly to try and keep Bonnie in for as long as possible – she had other ideas. On the morning she was born I felt terrible and had the worst pains, so down to theatre we went. She wouldn’t have survived a labour due to being too small, so C-Section prep was all done for me and a lot of reassurance from staff to let me know there were so many people there to look after my little girl and make sure she was ok. With what felt like a daze, she was here.’
‘Bonnie weighed 1lb9oz and was 11 weeks early.’
‘She was quickly transferred to the NICU after we got a quick glimpse of her getting wheeled past. Everyone was terrified for her but slowly and surely, she started getting stronger and didn’t need her oxygen anymore and then she began getting better with her milk tolerance. It was honestly one of the most stressful times of my life. The staff on ward 35 were basically my best friends while we were there.’
‘The nurses treated Bonnie like she was their own and always made sure I was looking after myself too. The staff were also super helpful in assisting us in getting a room over at Crawford House due to us not being from the area. Anytime day or night we could call or visit and that was such a comfort, especially when her transfer to Carlisle hospital was delayed and we had to leave her in Newcastle whilst we were back home. I couldn’t have wished for better staff and people, in general, to have been around us at what was the worst most worrying time.
How did Tiny Lives impact your time on the unit?
The tiny lives team were amazing! All the things that seem small before you plan on having a baby go out the window when they arrive so early and you forget things. Tiny Lives helped me remember. The books and milestone cards that are for our special bundles were stunning! The water bottles and coffee cups were also helpful to remember to actually drink on the unit (it’s easy to forget) and the mini boos were just the best things ever. I always felt like I had a piece of Bonnie with me even though she wasn’t there. The coffee mornings made me realise I wasn’t alone and just to talk to someone who understood was such a relief for me. I can’t put into words how thankful I am to everyone who helped us along our journey. Without you all, myself and Bonnie wouldn’t be where we are today.
