Niall
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Niall was born at 26 weeks weighing 2lbs 4 after what seemed a very long and troublesome pregnancy. He was born at Luton and Dunstable as I originally went into labour at 23 weeks. They did the best to put off full-blown labour. I was given medication and steroid injections and on strict bed rest, but finally allowed home after a very long 9 days.
Just under 2 weeks later I was rushed back to hospital. We were both very nervous as we had been prepared for the worst. I refused to listen and hoped for the best. Niall was born the next morning and did nothing but fight from the minute he was born.
Niall was ventilated at birth although he did cry and show signs of breathing and was a very healthy colour. We were told that Niall would have a 48 hour honeymoon period and that he could deteriorate shortly after. This was not the case, Niall was only on a ventilator for 3 days before being put on CPAP (a machine which supports a baby's own breathing).
After 3 weeks Niall was transferred to the neonatal unit at Lister where they carried on weaning him off his CPAP. Eventually Niall was on oxygen alone. Niall developed reflux and was on a lot of medication. He has chronic lung disease of prematurity and a small hole in his heart (PDA).
Niall finally came home 3 weeks before his due date and was still needing minimal amounts of oxygen. He was still only 5lb 11 but having him home was great!
This was not the last we saw of the hospital as Niall was regularly admitted to Bluebell (children's) ward with breathing problems, feeding problems, a suspected hernia and bronchiolitis.
Niall still has follow up appointments with his consultant and is currently under Harefield hospital while we await news about his heart operation.
Niall is still on the small side at 19 months but has blossomed into such a gorgeous little man, whom we are all very proud of.
We have a lot to thank the neonatal team at both Luton and Dunstable and Lister for.
Just under 2 weeks later I was rushed back to hospital. We were both very nervous as we had been prepared for the worst. I refused to listen and hoped for the best. Niall was born the next morning and did nothing but fight from the minute he was born.
Niall was ventilated at birth although he did cry and show signs of breathing and was a very healthy colour. We were told that Niall would have a 48 hour honeymoon period and that he could deteriorate shortly after. This was not the case, Niall was only on a ventilator for 3 days before being put on CPAP (a machine which supports a baby's own breathing).
After 3 weeks Niall was transferred to the neonatal unit at Lister where they carried on weaning him off his CPAP. Eventually Niall was on oxygen alone. Niall developed reflux and was on a lot of medication. He has chronic lung disease of prematurity and a small hole in his heart (PDA).
Niall finally came home 3 weeks before his due date and was still needing minimal amounts of oxygen. He was still only 5lb 11 but having him home was great!
This was not the last we saw of the hospital as Niall was regularly admitted to Bluebell (children's) ward with breathing problems, feeding problems, a suspected hernia and bronchiolitis.
Niall still has follow up appointments with his consultant and is currently under Harefield hospital while we await news about his heart operation.
Niall is still on the small side at 19 months but has blossomed into such a gorgeous little man, whom we are all very proud of.
We have a lot to thank the neonatal team at both Luton and Dunstable and Lister for.