Reegan’s Story
Gestation: 28 + 6
Dates on Unit: June 2004
Reegan was born very premature in Wansbeck and was airlifted to Ward 35. She as born apgar rating 0 but a nurse from SCBU was covering a bank shift at Wansbeck and performed external cardiac massage and mouth to mouth and after 1min 45 seconds she gasped.
I joined Reegan on ward 35 around 2 weeks later when I was well enough to travel. When I first met Reegan, I was overwhelmed by the wires, the bleeps, the tiny fragile little thing lying there. She was 2lb 6. There was a lovely male nurse who explained everything to me, I felt lost and helpless, it felt like it wasn’t real and at any moment I would wake up. Reegan suffered a few setbacks but ultimately she did really well. The staff on the unit were always supportive, explained everything and were always there if needed. They reassured me completely but were always honest which meant so much to me.
Reegan has recently celebrated her 18th birthday and is heading to university in September, without ward 35 and the amazing staff and the generosity and support from Tiny Lives, I have no idea how I would have coped but I do know Reegan wouldn’t be here.
How Did Tiny Lives impact your Time on the Unit?
Tiny lives were amazing, they provided little clothes and nappies. They were there to talk too – all I wanted to do was talk, I needed to understand. They provided money for my travel expenses which meant I could spend as much time as possible with my daughter.
Reegan Now.