Help Families with a Sick Newborn Baby in Hospital

Zia was born 10 weeks early and weighed just 2.3lbs. She was admitted to her local neonatal unit and put on a ventilator for oxygen support. She had six blood transfusions, chronic lung disease and was later diagnosed with a hole in her heart as well as having a genetic disorder.

“In the neonatal unit, it’s like being in a bubble. That’s all there is,” remembers Dawn, her mum. “It felt safe but the thought of bringing her home scared me.” She and Matt, her partner, also have a 9 year old son, Rhys.

Dawn referred herself to Rainbow Trust for support. She knew she needed help so contacted the Rainbow Trust Cumbria office. Marlene, one of our Family Support Workers, visited the family at their home to talk about how she could help.

Dawn struggled to bond with Zia at first as she was so ill and she didn’t feel confident taking care of her. Marlene spent time with Zia in the neonatal unit and supported Dawn emotionally. This gave her the space to talk about her fears and helped her find her confidence to look after Zia. “I found it so hard, I wanted to put Zia into care as I didn’t think I could cope. Having Marlene there for emotional support made all the difference,” says Dawn. “I can’t put into words how much she has helped me.”

Zia spent five long months on the neonatal ward and when she was discharged, Marlene drove Dawn and Zia home so that Matt could collect Rhys from school as normal.

Marlene also takes Dawn and Zia to the team’s drop in group, where Dawn has met other families in similar situations and which gives her a chance to talk about what she’s going through with people who will understand.

“I don’t know where I’d be without Rainbow Trust and Marlene. If I need help, I know I can call them. Marlene has been brilliant,” says Dawn.

Links:

• Our neo natal support project