Your stories

Mum reclining in a hospital chair with her baby wrapped in blanket and resting on her chest

Stories and features about babies born premature or sick, their families and the health professionals who care for them.

Featured Story

‘The hardest part of the journey was when I was discharged, and I had to leave my tiny 3-day old baby’ – Eleanor’s story #FamiliesKeptApart

As part of our accommodation campaign, #FamiliesKeptApart, Eleanor shares how hard it was to leave her newborn baby at hospital, while caring for her older child at home.
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Ryan and Freddy

“I’d literally stare at my son all night until his mum woke up and was with him” — Ryan's Story #NeonatalFeelings

November 07, 2024

For World Prematurity Day this year, Ryan shares how he struggled with his mental health after bringing his son home from the NICU.

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“I read through people’s stories on the Bliss website and felt a little bit of relief.” – Heather’s story

October 25, 2024

When her waters broke at 26 weeks Heather feared she would lose her baby boy but other parents’ neonatal experiences helped give her hope.

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“I had never heard of a NICU before and didn't know what to expect.” – Manuella’s story

October 10, 2024

When Manuella started to have pain at 27 weeks + 5 she had no idea she would be going into early labour.

Aoife intubated

“There is something seriously special about having a neonatal baby” — Danielle’s story

September 13, 2024

Danielle felt like a failure when she had to deliver her baby at 28 weeks. Now Aoife is thriving, her message is to never give up.

Tommy blanket

“Looking back now with the knowledge from spending so long there, we had no clue how poorly Tommy was at the start.” -Karianne’s Story

September 02, 2024

Karianne's son Tommy spent 102 days in NICU. Now he's a healthy 3-year-old, Karianne reflects on their experience.

Nishas baby 2

“The worst thing was having to leave her every day at the hospital and go home.” – Nisha’s story

August 30, 2024

When Nisha’s waters ruptured at 26 weeks she feared her baby wouldn’t survive but she is filled with strength now.

Morgan and christening

“Amelia is proof that these small but mighty babies deserve a chance at life.” – Morgan’s Story

August 15, 2024

After two neonatal losses, including one of twins, Morgan shares how other parent’s stories gave her hope.

Nathan

"I remember seeing all the different staff members playing their vital role to ensure my and my baby’s safety" – Stephanie's story

July 16, 2024

Stephanie's son Nathan was born 7 weeks and 6 days premature and spent 40 days in neonatal care. Here, Stephanie describes the "emotional…

John now

'I started to blame myself for Jon being born prematurely' – Marika's story

July 11, 2024

Jacques beach

“Having accommodation helped us keep some form of normality in our lives.” – Carla’s story #FamiliesKeptApart

July 01, 2024

As part of our accommodation campaign, #FamiliesKeptApart, Carla shares how vital having a place to stay was when her baby was born at 25 weeks…

Baby in hospital attached to tubes holding parent's finger

"I tried to be at the hospital as much as possible and felt horribly guilty every time I had to go" – Lauren’s story

June 11, 2024

Twin babies wearing pyjamas lying on bed

‘Last summer really showed us all that life is worth fighting for’ – Holly’s story

June 04, 2024

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‘I obsessively read parents stories to reassure myself that a good outcome was possible’ - Sarah’s story

June 03, 2024

A parent in a hospital chair smiles looking down at their premature baby, who is directly against the skin on their chest, wrapped in a blanket. The baby has some medical tubes and wires attached to them.

‘The hardest part of the journey was when I was discharged, and I had to leave my tiny 3-day old baby’ – Eleanor’s story #FamiliesKeptApart

May 02, 2024

As part of our accommodation campaign, #FamiliesKeptApart, Eleanor shares how hard it was to leave her newborn baby at hospital, while caring for her…

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So close yet so far – Natasha’s story #FamiliesKeptApart

April 18, 2024

As part of our accommodation campaign, #FamiliesKeptApart, Natasha shares how important it is for parents to have access to good quality…

Ellie

My son’s journey with Bartter Syndrome - Ellie’s story

April 16, 2024

Ellie’s son Harry was born prematurely at 29 weeks, in January 2013. In her story, Ellie talks us through Harry’s journey with Bartter Syndrome, and…

Ashley

“Visiting my own baby – I couldn’t comprehend it” - Ashley’s story #FamiliesKeptApart

April 16, 2024

As part of our campaign, #FamiliesKeptApart, Ashley illustrates why it was so important to stay on the unit with her baby.

Paige 1

“Be proud of the small steps your little ones make” - Paige and Kieran's story

April 16, 2024

Paige and Kieran's son Arthur was born at 30 weeks and spent 47 days in NICU. In their story, Paige offers her advice to other parents going through…

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