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November 17, 2015

World Prematurity Day – a personal tribute

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On World Prematurity Day I just had to give it a mention after working in Neonatal care for around 30 years. Even though retired I still work some part time hours in the field. In fact I am writing this brief post as I have a brew in bed post night shift!
Throughout my time it has been a privilege to work with such fine specimens of humanity – the babies!
When I’ve told people what I do many people have commented “oh that must be hard” “that must be sad” but no. It’s quite the contrary –  it’s uplifting and inspiring.
These little beings that arrive at the most inconvenient times, many weeks early are as tough as teak. Parents and families are scared of their small size and shiny skin, many looking like little skinned rabbits in the early hours after birth. Those of us who care for them aren’t, we know they are strong, tough, durable and will fight to do what’s necessary to cling to life. Sadly some don’t get to stay here but have to join the heavenly band of angels, but the majority make it in the end.
They have my utmost respect and I am in awe of them and families facing Prematurity.
Many of the babies I cared for in my early career are now parents themselves, some are fine big rugby players, clever, talented adults.

Parents as well cope with more than they think they can. Premature births often happen when a mother of family also have another traumatic event going on – these preterm babies don’t care! Mother can be days away from a house move, death of a close family member, another child already in hospital. The birth of a tiny, frail baby is another burden they fear they cannot cope with – but they do! They manage to deal with a whole host of things whilst still managing to visit daily, sometimes for a stay of over 100 days. They do remain sane and come out smiling.

The professionals who work in the field, support these fragile tiny bodies as if they were a family member, they listen to stressed parents, wipe away tears of sadness and laughter, encourage parents to have some ‘me’ time. These professionals also grieve with bereaved parents and celebrate with parents as tiny milestones are reached.

I salute you all today – please feel free to contact me with any comments

Diary of an imperfect mum

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Filed Under: Health and Wellbeing, Lifestyle, Supporting parents of sick newborns and preterm babies

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Twin Pickle says

    November 21, 2016 at 12:56 pm

    30 Years… good work!! I was all prepared for the NICU when I had my twins. We managed to skip it, despite their 36wk arrival but I am very grateful to all you hard working nurses for the amazing work you do! #TribalChat

    Reply
    • bluefitz17 says

      November 21, 2016 at 2:46 pm

      That’s a lovely thing for you to say. #TribalChat

      Reply
  2. mydangli says

    November 22, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    I have so much respect for the nurses, parents and premies they are all so strong! I did internship on a neonatal ward when I was a student nurse and it was just amazing to watch these little humans fight and it was beautiful to follow there journey from newborn till the day they got to go home with mummy and daddy xx #tribalchat

    Reply
    • bluefitz17 says

      November 22, 2016 at 2:09 pm

      Yes Neonatal Units are amazing places – the stars of the shoe being the babies!

      Reply
  3. Mummy in a TuTu (@mummyinatutu) says

    November 23, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    My little one was 5 weeks prem and I thank all the lovely scbu nurses who helped and looked after her so well!
    Thanks for linking to #ablogginggoodtime

    Reply
    • bluefitz17 says

      November 23, 2016 at 4:33 pm

      I’m glad they were nice to you x

      Reply

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I’m Elaine a Neonatal Nurse who retired from the NHS at age 55. I’m loving the 3rd age of my life – Retirement is the best job I ever had. Being married for 35 years I am lucky to have someone to share life with.

I’m a foodie who enjoys travel, football and my home.

I love to share over 50’s lifestyle tips including age appropriate beauty reviews, coping with the trials and tribulations of the Menopause, weight gain around the middle, fashion, travel and food including recipes and restaurant reviews.

I want to challenge the myth that life ends at retirement.

Feel free to get in touch earlyretirementrocks@gmail.com

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