Beth Norton with her daughter Theadora
The Neonatal Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital has pulled out all the stops once more to make Mother’s Day special to all mums spending their special day in hospital.
The unit cares after premature babies, unwell new-born babies and their families to ensure they receive the best possible care.
Two year ago Thornton mum, Beth Norton, had the difficult experience of spending her first Mother’s Day as a new mum on the Neonatal Unit after her baby girl was born at just 28 weeks.
She said: “I went to the doctors for a routine anti-natal appointment when I entered my third trimester. At the appointment it showed my blood pressure was extremely high and I was sent urgently to the hospital where I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia.
“I was then constantly monitored until the consultant decided it was in mine and the baby’s best interest to deliver two days later.
Liz Morrison and Katie Lander from the neonatal unit with Beth and Theadora
“My due date was on June 16 and Theadora was delivered on March 26, which was Mother’s Day for the year 2017.
“This was such a scary time for me as I had never had any kind of surgery and all of a sudden I was put into a situation I never imagined. You always imagine being able to cuddle your new born baby but this didn’t happen for three days after delivery.’’
Beth spend her first 24 hours on the High Dependency Unit after her caesarean section and wasn’t able to see her little girl for the first 26 hours of her life.
Tiny Theadora, weighed just 1 lb 7 oz. when she was born and had to spend her first nine weeks after birth being cared for on the Neonatal Unit by a team of specialist nurses.
“It was a really tough time for us all. Me and my finance came up every day to see Theadora, to bond with her and watch her grow,’’ Beth said.
“We were really fortunate to have had a lot of support from our friends and family. But the staff on the unit were fantastic too and we could not fault one thing.
“It was really difficult being on the Neonatal Unit during Mother’s Day as the first time being a mum. But they made me feel special and gave me lovely gifts.
Tiny Theadora having her first cuddle at three days old, weighing 1lb 3oz
“Theadora was discharged when she weighed 3 lb and received aftercare at home. She is developing well under her consultant care.
“I don’t think people realise how hard it is to be put in the situation I was in. I was in shock for a long time but we have come so far in our long journey.
“Last year, we made the most of Mother’s Day and spent the day together as a family making memories. We plan to do the same this year too.
“For me, Mother’s Day is even more special because the day is a constant remainder of my little girl and how amazing she is and how lucky we all are.
“My message to all mums on Mother’s Day is to appreciate what you have and make the most of everything – that’s certainly what I’m doing!”
Neonatal staff nurse, Danielle Boyd-Holt cared for Beth and Theadora from the day she was born.
She said: “Mother’s Day is a special day for any mummy, but being a mother on mother’s day and being separated from your baby is a very difficult day.
“We try to make it as special a day as we can even though we understand how hard it is.
“These mummies need to understand how special they are to their babies and to us nurses. Every mummy who goes through the neonatal experience is a hero and they truly are the most important part of their baby’s journey”.
