Melodie was cared for by the multidisciplinary neonatal team throughout her stay. Having specialists involved meant she received expert care tailored to her needs. The dietitian supported and continues to support her nutrition and growth and the pharmacist ensured her medications were safe and appropriate.
The multidisciplinary team worked together to give her the best possible start in life. Their knowledge and support also helped me feel more confident as a parent.
The nurses and doctors were incredible people; they took extra time to explain things so that I understood.
When Melodie was around one month old, I became extremely unwell and had to undergo emergency surgery. Because of the pain relief I was given, I had to discard my expressed breast milk, which was incredibly upsetting at an already overwhelming time.
During this period, I was not well enough to be with her, and I was also not allowed back into the maternity area as too much time had passed. The NICU staff were absolutely incredible. They brought Melodie to me from across the hospital so I could see and hold her when I otherwise couldn’t reach her. That moment meant everything to me.
I was only able to stay in overnight accommodation once because there was extremely limited availability for parents. Most of the time I had to travel back and forth every day, even though all I wanted was to be close to my baby. Having to leave the hospital each night while my newborn remained on the unit was heartbreaking.
