Rhys was born at just 26 weeks, weighing one pound and 10 ounces, nearly six pounds below the average birthweight for boys in England.
His mum, Vicky, described the fear and uncertainty she felt in those moments: “I knew nothing about premature birth let alone the complications, going into labour at 26 weeks was terrifying – particularly not knowing if my baby would survive.”
Vicky gave birth at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) before Rhys was transferred to Leeds General Hospital for the specialist care he urgently needed.
He was soon back at DRI but developed Necrotising Entercolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease which mainly affects premature babies. Rhys was transferred again to the Jessop Wing at Sheffield Teaching Hospital to receive critical care treatment and emergency surgical intervention.
There, he had a third of his bowel removed and a stoma fitted, at which point, Vicky was told his chances of survival were low.
Against the odds, Rhys fought through and spent the first five months of his life in hospital. Following his discharge from hospital, Rhys was cared for by the Paediatric Team at DRI – one of the first of many healthcare teams at the Trust that Rhys would meet over the years.
Vicky said, “Rhys has been seen by consultants, dietitians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, to name a few, who have all been absolutely fantastic supporting him.
“The medical professionals involved in Rhys’ care have provided continued support in advocating for Rhys to ensure he gets the right support in school and key in getting him on the SEN register and an Education, Health and Care Plan put in place.”
Now 13, Rhys is thriving, thanks to the continued support he receives at DRI.
Reflecting on her own experience and the advice she would give to parents facing a premature birth today, Vicky said, “The shock of a premature birth is traumatic for everyone in your support system. It ripples through the parents, family and friends.
“There are many services and groups out there now that can provide support – it’s so easy to feel isolated when you have a premature baby because your whole world becomes focused on your baby, and you forget to look after yourself. Remember to take time for yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Specialists are very busy people, but they are also very caring.”
For more information on premature labour and birth, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/premature-labour-and-birth/
Would you like to support the neonatal services at our hospitals? The ‘Mini Marvels’ appeal is a fundraiser by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity to support families and carers with babies born too soon, or unwell ,at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital. Find out more, here: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/mini-marvels-appeal/.