Extra special Mother’s Day for mum and baby born at just 25 weeks

Not only is it the first one with daughter Erin but it’s one she feared her newborn daughter might not see.

Emily’s pregnancy began like any other—a mix of anticipation, joy and few discomforts along the way.

But at 25 weeks everything changed and she and her husband James were faced with a battle against three life-threatening conditions.

What Emily initially thought was a routine urinary infection turned out to be pre-eclampsia, a blood clot and severe pneumonia and suddenly her life and the life of her unborn baby hung in the balance.

Emily, aged 28, found herself in Arrowe Park Hospital’s intensive care unit at the beginning of December last year, facing the prospect of giving birth to an extremely premature baby.

Erin is on the neonatal ward at Arrowe Park Hospital

She had to grapple with significant blood loss, which required an unexpected transfusion, and then Erin was born – tiny and fragile on December 7 at just 25 weeks.

She entered the world as a fighter – determined to survive – and was immediately placed in a neonatal incubator.

She was facing a battle against all the odds, being born with chronic lung disease, a heart murmur, metabolic bone disease, a brain bleed and a hole in her heart.

These conditions tested not only Erin’s resilience but also that of her parents.

Emily said: “The most challenging part has been witnessing Erin surrounded by wires and tubes.”

“Starting her life in an incubator, unable to simply lift her, adds to the anxiety of not knowing what each day will bring.”

The couple balanced their time between their home in Wirral – where they lived with their two older children Cian and Eloise – and the hospital where Erin was receiving specialist care.

Ronald McDonald House became their sanctuary - a refuge for families with sick children.

Emily said: “We would have been lost without the other families we’ve become close to.

“We have shared laughter and tears, supporting one another through the highs and lows.

“We’ve received fantastic support from the neonatal unit, including weekly sessions with a psychologist, and the neonatal nurses and ward staff have treated Erin as their own.

Emily is cherishing Mother’s Day this year as a family of five and understands how far their daughter has come in just a few weeks.

Emily, James and Erin (Image: supplied)

Emily understands the significance of acknowledging and expressing emotions during Erin’s fight in hospital.

She said: “This will be your unique path with your baby so try not to compare it to others, even though it can be difficult.

“Our babies need us fighting fit for when they come home so it’s important to prioritise self-care, whether that’s a leisurely shower, a refreshing walk or simply a quiet moment of contemplation.

“Erin is facing a lengthy stay in hospital but is steadily gaining weight and moving in the right direction towards leaving hospital.”

Last year, the Neonatal Unit at Arrowe Park provided crucial assistance to 400 babies during their early days of life.

Click here if you would like to support the Tiny Stars Appeal, which aids families like Emily’s.