World Prematurity Day

Written By Charlie Dickinson

World Prematurity Day


For World Prematurity Day our very own Charlie talks about her experience of her daughter being born at 31 weeks

Charlie and John and 4 week old Bea in NICU



Our premature birth story

I had a straightforward pregnancy and her arriving early hadn’t really crossed my mind. Yet at 9.30pm one Sunday night my waters broke. I was 30 +6 weeks.

We quickly made our way to the hospital, and after monitoring us they didn't seem concerned. So, we were told we would probably be sent home after 24 hours. We were left in a room waiting for the doctor that had been called to an emergency. After that things seemed to happen very quickly and the next time, we saw a midwife there was panic.

They quickly gave me a steroid injection (this helps baby's lungs to develop) and wanted to get us to the labour ward as quickly as possible. In the lift my husband said he saw the panic in the midwifes eyes as I lost control of my legs and started shaking like crazy (I was in a wheelchair). Luckily, we made it up to the ward and once I laid on the bed, I felt her head coming out. They had to whip my jeans off and saw she was arriving!

It was all hands-on deck. My husband John was asked to push/pull the red button on the wall and before we knew it, she was born and surrounded by the medical team (I don't even know how they arrived so quickly). We got to have a very quick look at her, before they rushed her down to NICU. Afterwards John and I were in complete shock, and I don't think it had sunk in that we just had our first precious baby. We were left in the room for what feels like forever not knowing what had happened.

We eventually made it down to go and see her once she had stabilized and it was so wonderful but at the same time so sad to only be able to stare at her through the incubator as all I wanted to do was hold her close. After lots of ups and downs with her stability I actually stopped wanting to hold her as I was told she was best left to get rest and build up her strength without being disturbed by us picking her up. Little did we know that she had a long, tough journey ahead fighting for her life.

Our prem baby

Six weeks slowly passed when she eventually made it home. I struggled to ever take my eyes off of her, I didn't have the machines to relay on to let me know everything was ok. I was so worried she was going to stop breathing (this happened a lot in NICU) that I bought an apea monitor to alert me if she wasn't breathing and an angle monitor with a motion pad.

We didn't get to any baby classes until Bea was 7 months old as I didn't want her exposed to any germs because she was too weak to fight them off. Her medication and hospital appointments were what structured our days and breastfeeding was a constant battle (this is a whole different story) as she wasn't gaining the weight and dropped right off the lowest centile. I felt so very alone and meeting other new mums with healthy babies was tough as I felt that no one understood our journey. I think that’s why the social aspect of Dance Like a Mother classes is so important as you get to know the other Mums and Dads and often find out they had the same or similar experiences to you.

Time passed quickly and she is now one of the tallest in her class, thriving with a wonderful smile and such a kind nature. She is the most amazing big sister to her brother Sam who luckily has a wonderful positive birth story Charlie's birth story - Birth after trauma — Dance Like a Mother
We are so incredibly proud of you Bea. Our little fierce fighter!

Kangaroo care with Bea in NICU

Things that helped us with our premature baby

Here are my top tips of what helped us with our premature baby

Babywearing with a premature baby

  • I guess it’s no surprise now that this was something that has helped us and has continued to help us through her (and her brother’s) life. Kangaroo care is used in hospital with premature babies as it makes skin to skin easier, especially if they are hooked up to machines and monitors. Early bonding is vital to a baby’s development and ability to thrive. Because we couldn’t hold Bea all the time it meant these times were even more important. Being worn close to us helped to regulate her temperate, released oxytocin (the love hormone) and develop our bond with her. My sister who also has 2 premature babies encouraged me to try babywearing after leaving hospital. I found the stretchy wraps wonderful as they were soft against her skin, whilst giving her support (see our stretchy wrap tutorial HERE: Babywearing — Dance Like a Mother ) It also helped with her reflux and reduced my anxiety. I’d highly recommend babywearing and getting advice from someone who is a Peer supporter or Babywearing Consultant (Contact us HERE if you would like support)

Connect with other Parents & organizations for premature babies

  • Spoons charity Spoons Charity - Neonatal Family Support played a huge part in supporting us through our journey and Bea is now on the graduate wall outside the NICU at NMGH to inspire new families starting out on their own journey. They have some wonderful monthly sessions for parents and babies to meet and find support. Having these sessions and being able to get advice and talk to other Parents going through the same experience made me feel less alone. Please do reach out and contact them. Bliss is another fantastic charity for premature babies https://www.bliss.org.uk/

Taking care of yourself with a premature baby

  • Looking back, I feel like I missed out on a lot of things during the first 6 months of her life. Getting out and seeing people is something I wish I had done more of, and I would urge you if it’s safe to go out and about to look for groups or classes where you can meet other Parents. Having your baby in the carrier will also help with this and there are classes out there like Dance Like a Mother that are suitable for premature babies. I would encourage Mums to get in touch and ask questions to see if its for you before attending.

  • The experience we went through was very traumatic and it wasn’t until my second pregnancy that I was forced to really think about the experience. Its totally normal to feel triggered and anxious after a difficult birth experience, but you aren’t alone. There are organizations, groups and services available for you to speak about your experience in a safe space and process it. From Doulas, Therapists and groups available (See our list below)

  • Take time for yourself. Make a list of things that bring you joy or help call you. This could be walking in nature, meditation, dancing, yoga or just eating cake while binging Netflix. Find ways each day to help you feel good and stay connected to yourself and others.

World Prematurity Day

So here we are celebrating #worldprematurityday2024 to raise awareness and let family's know they are absolutely not alone.

We are so grateful to all the NHS staff who cared for our little girl and gave her the chance to grow into the amazing strong little 6 year old she is today 😍

'The strength of these little fighters far exceeds their size'

Charlie xxx"

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Charlie Dickinson
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