Baby Amelia arrived unexpectedly five and half weeks early, on December 5th. Parents Rhiannon and Brett had a difficult time coping with their daughter’s early arrival – especially not being able to have her at home with them for the festive season.
This is Rhiannon’s story:
What a roller coaster of emotions that December was for us! Our daughter Amelia was born on December 5th at 34.5 weeks, by Caesarian weighing a tiny 1.4kg. She was in the ICU at Jessie McPherson Hospital until January 1st, 2018.
No one can prepare you for the emotions that will come not being able to bring your child home after birth. My husband and I shed so many tears – some of joy when she arrived safely but most heartbreaking ones every day we had to leave her after a visit.
Not having our little girl with us on Christmas Day felt empty.
What made us get through it all was knowing she was safe where she was was and that the care she was given was like no other. We couldn’t be happier with how amazing the nurses were. They taught us so much being first time parents and we are forever grateful for it.
Visiting Amelia Christmas Day twice made us realise it’s not about getting presents or having the nicest Christmas lunch. It really is just about being with the people you love dearly. The memories we made in hospital will always remain in our hearts even the tough ones.
New Year’s Day 2018 was one of the happiest days of ours lives because Amelia was finally home where she belonged.
Amelia is now 3 years old and the strongest, funniest and most gorgeous little girl we could have ever asked for. Being in ICU feels like a lifetime ago.
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