Meet our Early Bird of the Month
Every month we give away a beautiful Earlybirds outfit to help brighten the day of a family experiencing NICU or Special Care. Our July winner was Baby Callum, whose mum Angela has experienced premature birth not once but three times.
Each of her babies have worn Earlybirds garments, including an Isolette Suit which has now been worn by all three of her baby boys. Angela’s sons all arrived unexpectedly early around the 30 week mark following spontaneous preterm labour with no medical explanation. Her first born Rory was born at 30 weeks, his brother Egan at 31+1 and their new baby brother Callum at 30+2.
Angela has been a part of the premmie community for the past six years, taking part in Walk For Prems events to raise money and awareness for babies born too soon. She kindly shared some of her experience with us recently.
You’ve experienced having a premmie baby three times now, how has each time differed?
The first time was scary as we had no idea what was happening, and didn’t know anything about prematurity. It was a huge learning curve but we soon learnt that medicine is amazing these days and whilst the days were long, there was this lovely community out there to support us. The second time we couldn’t believe our “luck” that it’s happening to us again. It was less scary as we knew what to expect. However this made us a bit more impatient to bring him home. It was harder because we had to leave our 2 year old at home to go to the hospital. The third time was the hardest in terms of juggling our time with our other two boys, trying to be there for everyone and trying to make life as normal as possible for our other two. It was less stressful navigating NICU and SCN but we just wanted to be together as a family.
What is one thing that helped you during your time in the NICU/SCN?
One thing that had helped our journey was the love and support from our friends and family. They sent us food and food vouchers, my parents looked after our other two kids and many checked in to see if we were okay and if we needed anything. Many people don’t understand the travel to and from hospital can be so draining and time consuming so we were so grateful for the help we received.
How are his big brothers adjusting to life at home?
Callum’s big brothers adore him. They try to help out when they can and give him lots of hugs. I couldn’t have asked for a more complete and happy family now that we are all home.
Any words of wisdom to a first time premmie mum?
It’s hard and it will probably be one of the hardest things you’ll go through. Ask questions and ask for help. your baby is strong, just like you, and you will get through it.
We are so grateful to Angela for shedding some light on the unique experience of having been through preterm birth three times. A common misconception might be that it would get easier each time however this is not the case, each experience is different and difficult in its own way and for Angela, the juggle of having two other little boys needing their mum at home made the third time the most difficult.
You can support families like Angela’s by taking part in the 2023 Walk for Prems event[1] or donating directly to Life’s Little Treasures Foundation[2] . You can also enter our monthly giveaway by nominating your or your loved one’s baby via direct message on Facebook[3] or Instagram[4] .
We wish Callum, Egan and Rory a life of happiness, health and lots of brotherly love. Their mum and dad have already shown such strength to get through NICU and SCN multiple times that we’re sure raising three boys will be a breeze!
https://www.walkforprems.org.au/
https://lifeslittletreasures.org.au/get-involved/donate/
https://www.facebook.com/earlybirds
https://www.instagram.com/earlybirdsbaby/
