Born at 32 weeks

When Amy and Matt realised Amy was going into labour at 32 weeks in 2022, their world suddenly changed.  Cayden was born in the North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke on 7^th August 2022 weighing just 3lb 4oz. ‘It was a very scary day for me and Matt’ said Amy.  ‘I was going into labour eight weeks early so the realisation that our son was going to be a premmie baby dawned on us both.’

‘After a painful labour and great support from the team keeping me calm, Cayden made his way into the world. He was transferred to the NICU with specialist equipment and staff on hand. He was quickly hooked up to different machines, which was difficult to see as a parent. The staff explained everything which helped us to cope emotionally. Cayden also had an infection due to my waters breaking early, adding another complication.  We were so lucky that we were able to hold him skin to skin, which, the staff assured us, helps massively with the bonding process.  I was given the opportunity to try breastfeeding with the support of the neo-natal staff.’

Amy and Matt spent four weeks travelling to and from their home.  The nursing staff sent regular pictures of Cayden, making it easier for them both.  ‘Leaving your baby in hospital as a new mother’ says Amy ‘is extremely difficult.’

‘We were so thankful to the staff but also to the specialist equipment that was available to Cayden and gave him such a good start in life such as the incubator, breathing machine and feeding tubes.  We had not heard about the charity New Life before until the staff on the unit mentioned it. Since then we have kept up to date with the work the charity does via social media and realise just how much equipment they have bought over the years to help other premature babies like Cayden.

We are delighted to say that Cayden is now eight months old, weighs 14lbs and is very strong. He is starting to sit up unassisted, feeding himself his bottle and wants to walk already! We are so proud of him and can't thank the unit enough and of course, New Life for all the support they give neonatal units around the UK.’