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An Unexpected Start: Malachi’s Story
September 2024 we found out we were being blessed with our rainbow baby. It came as a complete shock as we were starting testing getting ready to head down the road of IVF but had decided to wait until the New Year to continue. During my pregnancy I was admitted to hospital on multiple occasions…
A Granny’s Perspective: Watching Generations of Premature Miracles Grow
As told by Ellen’s mum, who is also Jackson’s very proud granny, Fiona Cameron. On June 29, 1996, Ellen and Scott Cole entered the world at 28 weeks gestation at National Women’s Hospital in Auckland — to the shock of their parents, Fiona (me) and Neville. Ellen weighed 850g and Scott 1.1kg. Ellen ended up…
Lamatau’s Neonatal Journey
Our beautiful boy Lamatau made his entrance into the world far earlier than expected — born at 24+6 weeks, on the 11th March 2025, weighing just 830g. He was so tiny, yet from the very first moment, his strength was undeniable. Lamatau spent 139 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units across Dunedin, Christchurch, and…
Ollie’s Early Arrival: Finding Strength at 26 Weeks
When our precious Ollie arrived into the world, it wasn’t the moment we had pictured it would be. As first-time parents, we imagined the three of us in our little family bubble with lots of cuddles and time together. But at 25 weeks, my waters broke, and at 26 weeks, Ollie was here - and…
Millie – A little fighter, always meant to be
In September 2024, we discovered we were expecting our double rainbow baby after two previous losses. We were filled with hope and nerves, excited for the possibility of a little miracle, yet scared to walk the road we had been down before. Each scan and appointment felt like another milestone ticked off, and everything went…
When Plans Change: Isla’s Full-Term NICU Journey
As told by parents Hayley & Mike. In May this year, we welcomed our beautiful daughter, Isla. I had an easy-going pregnancy and no reason to think her birth would be any different. At 41+3 weeks, Isla was born at Queen Mary Hospital in Dunedin. It was a long and difficult labour — over 72…
Two Years On: Remembering Harvey’s NICU Journey
As told by mum, Georgia. We are now just over 2 years on from our NICU journey but still so thankful everyday - for every person who we met along the way from all of Harvey’s care team to my care team and every support person in between! We had our first baby boy Harvey…
Born on World Prematurity Day: Kaleb’s Journey
In 2020, after a year of fertility treatment, I discovered I was pregnant. I was very ill from the moment of conception and was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum at 13 weeks. The pressure from the copious amounts of vomiting caused multiple vaginal blood vessels to burst, and I bled for almost 2 months of my…
Blaire’s Journey – Our Month in NICU
At 37 weeks pregnant, I was suddenly told I needed to deliver early because Blaire’s movements had slowed and she wasn’t happy. I was excited that I’d finally meet her, but underneath was a deep fear: why wasn’t she moving, was she okay? During the birth I remember extra nurses rushing in. I waited nervously on…
Kiwa Louise Jane – A Life Full of Love
As told by mum Jess. Kiwa Louise Jane was born on the 10th of March at 24+5 in Middlemore hospital after a spontaneous preterm labour (we still don't know why she arrived early, but she was just so eager to meet us all). She weighed a tiny 670grams and was the cutest little baby I'd…
Twice Through NICU – Our Unexpected Journeys
As told by mum, Billie Our second child was born at 38 weeks in Christchurch. He came in a hurry with an unplanned home birth so was delivered by his dad! He was initially breathing fast but otherwise fine however over the next 12 hours he deteriorated. He was taken to NICU and we were…
Maitland’s Story
As told by mum Nacita. In September 2017, my son Maitland was born at just 26 weeks and 3 days gestation. He weighed 1,165 grams and measured 34.5 cm long. My waters had broken a month earlier, at only 21 weeks. Nine days before his birth, we were transferred from our home in Christchurch to…