Did you know about 60% of twins are born prematurely with the average twin pregnancy lasting 35 weeks? Rachel and Helen both have children (though not Twins), and we are sharing this story for World Prematurity Day.
Twin Sister Helen had a planned pregnancy and was due to give birth in January 2016. The pregnancy was normal, the sickness began at week 13 and everything was going ok. At 29 weeks pregnant Helen couldn't feel any movement from her baby and Twin Sister Rachel encouraged her to go and get checked out at her local hospital. What was to come next was a complete shock and to this day still feels like a blur. The consultant told her at 29 weeks that the best option for the survival of her unborn baby was to have an emergency C section.
At 14:51 on 07.11.2015 her son Joshua was born, whisked away in a pod to NICU and 7 hours later she met her precious little fighter for the first time. To see Joshua hooked up to machines, his eyes covered with a mask, wearing a hat and wrapped tightly in a blanket was a shock to say the least. Nothing can prepare you for this moment and the minutes, hours and days that follow.
The first few weeks were a blur and there were moments when things were touch and go. The DR's always said there would be good and bad days - and you can never really prepare yourself for those days. Joshua was too poorly to be transferred to another hospital and so he stayed at New Cross Hospital for 7 weeks before being finally discharged on 23rd December 2015. It was the best Christmas present you could ever wish for. Unfortunately, Joshua couldn't hold his body temperature so had to be re-admitted again on the early hours of Christmas Day for a further 5 days.
This was an extremely difficult and stressful time for Helen, her then Partner and the family. We prayed, we wished, we hoped and we spent every moment staying positive that Joshua would be ok as the alternative was too unbearable.
Fast forward nearly 5 years and what a true superhero Joshua has turned out to be. Absolutely nothing fazes him, he lights up the room with his smile and giggles until there are no laughs left. He is a normal, playful 5 year old and he loves nothing more than being outside in the fresh air, playing and splashing in water and getting dirty. Helen and her family encourage him everyday to be a positive little boy and he is a true example of survival.
Helen says, "No one ever said being a parent was easy and having a child born 11 weeks early certainly hasn't been a walk in the park but, it is so rewarding to see how much he has grown over the last few years in to the cheeky chappy that he is. Every single day we thank our lucky stars that we were one of the fortunate ones to take our precious miracle home and to this day we still thank all the Dr's, consultants and professionals that saved Joshuas life. He still has hospital appointments and being born premature has resulted in some medical conditions that we are still facing but we stay positive and strong through the next journey that comes our way. Friends and family have always played such a big part in Joshuas life and I am so very grateful for everyone's support."
Twin Sister Rachel quotes "I never forget the phone call I received from Helen on that Saturday morning. I can still remember exactly where I was and who I was with. I was on a car park about to go shopping with my Mom. I relayed to my Mom what Helen had told me and we stood in disbelief for what seemed like an eternity. I drove back to my Mom's house and we were joined by my Dad and Brother. We sat in silence for what seemed like eternity, too scared to say what we were really thinking. Finally, my phone bleeped and Helen's ex Partner had sent me some photos of Joshua being born. I can't really explain the feeling that came over us. We all sat and cried tears of joy, happiness and sadness at the same time, not knowing what the next few hours would bring. I remember my Dad saying, we MUST celebrate. We have our first Grandchild and we will raise a glass to his health and happiness and that of Helen's as well.
The next few weeks were some of the hardest I have ever had to go through. The first thing I would do when I woke up was to phone Helen and I knew just by her voice what kind of night Joshua had had. The days turned in to weeks and the weeks into months. The days got easier and now all I see is the sweetest, most caring little Nephew I always thought I would have. He is beyond precious to me and his kind nature and lovingness towards my little girl is a dream come true. God bless you little man, I love you like you are my own."
So, to all the parents out there that have been through or are currently going through a similar journey to ours, our message to you is to take each day as it comes. don't be too hard on yourself, don't blame yourself and most of all, be there for each other when the hard days come because they will.
To NICU at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, you are the most dedicated team of nurses and Doctors and you do the most amazing job. Thank you.