A mum whose baby was born three months premature – and endured seven weeks in hospital – is hoping to provide inspiration to other parents put through a similar “terrifying” situation.
Abbie Flett, from Lochcarron, was given a boost by a photo book at Aberdeen’s Neonatal Unit where daughter Isla was flown to after being born weighing just 3lbs 10oz and suffering breathing difficulties.
Tiny, frail Isla had also developed sepsis and the family were seriously worried as she fought to survive.
Abbie said: “Whilst we were at the unit they had these beautiful photo books that the Friends of Neo Natal had made for parents to read.
“They contained stories that they had collected from parents of children who had been there – beautiful photos of them when they were born and photos of them now.
“It was an incredible support and comfort to see all these ‘graduates’ of the neonatal unit. Most importantly it reassured us that there was light at the end of this terrifying tunnel.”
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She now plans to produce a similar photo book for the special care baby unit (SCBU) at Raigmore Hospital, where Isla spent a further five weeks after a fortnight in intensive care in Aberdeen.
Abbie said: “Almost two years on and our Isla is smashing all her milestones and is full of smiles and laughs.
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“I had been thinking of doing something for SCBU in Raigmore to show how much we appreciated their help.
“I’ve now started collecting stories from parents of SCBU children and I am going to make a photo book for SCBU. Hoping that this will give parents the comfort that we found in the ones in Aberdeen.
“I have set up a Facebook group and already have 147 members. Fifty plus have emailed me their stories. It’s incredible. I think there might be more than one photo book.”
Their story began on March 18, 2017 when Isla was born premature.
Abbie, who has three other siblings, said: “She was born in Raigmore but on her first day she was flown down to Aberdeen.
“As she was a C-section baby I was unable to fly with her so me and my partner, Ryan Murray, drove down.
“She spent two weeks in intensive care before being flown back to Raigmore for a further five weeks of less intensive care.
“She had breathing issues up until she was around a year old. But now approaching her second birthday, she’s walking and talking. Oh can she talk.
“She’s hitting all her milestones and has caught up. She’s incredible.
“The staff at Raigmore SCBU were amazing. We can never thank them enough.
“So doing this book as a gift to the unit is the least we can do. And hopefully it will give parents facing SCBU a bit of comfort and hope.”
If people would like to contribute their story they can search for SCBU Raigmore photo book project on Facebook.
