"Support the whole family and not just the baby"

Our son was born in February 2022, and shortly after birth was having trouble breathing and was transported to the NICU. He spent 6 days on the unit with TTN, getting support to breathe and waiting for his wee lungs to clear so he could come home. Medically speaking it was a relatively minor problem, but terrifying and upsetting as his parents to watch him go through that week, especially as it wasn't clear if it might be an underlying issue.

The staff in the NICU were totally incredible - orderlies, students, nurses, midwives, doctors, consultants. I never leave reviews, good or bad, for anything, but I'm so humbled and moved by the brilliant team that I needed to find some way to say thanks. The way that they explain what's happening and involve parents in care is amazing. I keep thinking about the fact that while this is one of the most stressful times in the lives of parents, it's just another day at work for the staff, often on very long shifts, yet they have a sensitivity, empathy and patience that is truly remarkable. 

Coming home after childbirth and leaving your baby in the hospital is horrible. Hormonally, emotionally and physically. Expressing milk in the middle of the night at home while looking at an empty cot, the 4 year-old who can't understand why the baby hasn't come home, that horrible feeling as you drive into the hospital car park in the morning, wondering what the day ahead will bring. The staff deeply understand this, which is why they support the whole family and not just the baby. 

We'll never be able to thank anyone enough. However I would mention consultant Fiona for explaining the science so patiently and so clearly, and for understanding that that's what I needed. Thanks to student Anna for being so kind. And a particular thanks to Margaret Anne, who is extraordinary - empathy, skill, grace and good humour in the face of many demands - you made us feel like it was all going to be okay. 

We left you all a rubbish box of biscuits, which felt a pathetic gift in the face of what you gave us, but how do you say thanks for something like that? I don't know, but here it is anyway - thank you.