Your stories

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

Browse through stories shared by families and health professionals, by using the search box below or scrolling down to see our most recent stories.

If you want to share your story, complete our form here.

If you are a journalist looking for stories to feature, please call 02073785749 or email media@bliss.org.uk

Featured Story

My son’s hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy diagnosis – Sal’s story

Posted on June 12, 2020

Sal describes the challenges her son faces as a result of his condition but how his school has helped his progress.
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Pride and worry as a neonate's grandparent - Karen's story

July 01, 2020

Karen describes how challenging it can be watching both your children and grandchild experience neonatal care.

Going home with reflux - Jonny's story

June 27, 2020

It felt like one step forward and two steps back when, after one night at home, Jonny and his son were back in hospital after a bad case of reflux.

Thirteen was our lucky number – Lata’s story

June 25, 2020

It took thirteen rounds of IVF, a difficult pregnancy and six weeks on the SCBU for Lata to bring her baby girl home.

The highs and lows of going home – Victoria’s story

June 20, 2020

Victoria describes going home on oxygen, the fear of germs, and the gravity of what you have been through hitting home when you leave the hospital.

'Like many NICU parents, I know what it’s like to have my child become seriously ill' - Olivia's story

June 18, 2020

Olivia describes the parallels between the COVID-19 outbreak and being in neonatal care, including the wisdom her neonatal experience has given her…

My son’s hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy diagnosis – Sal’s story

June 12, 2020

Sal describes the challenges her son faces as a result of his condition but how his school has helped his progress.

‘They already knew what I was thinking and feeling; they were me’ – Melanie’s story

June 06, 2020

When few people outside neonatal units can easily understand your experience, Melanie describes how uniquely strong friendships can develop between…

‘Nobody would know I was born early if I didn’t mention it’ – Lilia’s story

June 01, 2020

10 year old Lilia, who was born 13 weeks early, wants to reassure parents on neonatal units that their babies can grow up into happy and healthy…

‘All I could think was this was my fault’ – Chelsea’s story

May 27, 2020

When Chelsea’s baby got stuck during delivery and had to be treated for HIE, she immediately thought it was something she had done wrong.

Going into labour abroad – Charlotte’s story

May 20, 2020

A day trip to Paris turned into an 8-week stay when Charlotte unexpectedly gave birth 11 weeks early

Special Care to Carer - Katie's story

May 19, 2020

Katie was under the care of neonatal staff when she was born at 23 weeks in 1995. She was inspired by her premature beginning to become a nurse…

My son and nephew spent time on a neonatal unit; now I work there – Jasmine’s story

May 03, 2020

Jasmine describes how her positive experience on the Special Care Baby Unit inspired her to become a nurse on the unit where her son had been a…

I knew in my heart I wanted to be a neonatal nurse - Lois’ story

May 02, 2020

Lois had to overcome a battle with mental health issues and juggle single motherhood with studying to become a neonatal nurse, but her own neonatal…

My miracle in the midst of COVID-19 – Emily’s story

April 30, 2020

Emily’s journey as a parent on a neonatal unit has been lonelier than most because of social distancing, but she thinks it is her baby Ayko who is…

Self-isolated without my baby for a fortnight – Kayleigh’s story

April 23, 2020

Nothing about becoming parents has been as Kayleigh and her husband Darren had expected as their baby was born 11 weeks early in the middle of a…

Fighting our way through COVID-19 - Bobby and Rosie’s Story

April 23, 2020

Bobby and Rosie describe how COVID-19 has made their neonatal journey even more challenging than they expected, keeping them from their baby for a…

I might not be able to see my baby for three months – Stephen’s story

April 16, 2020

To minimise the spread of COVID-19, neonatal units have changed their visiting policies and in Stephen’s case, that means only his wife can see their…

Thank you to my Bliss Champion – Karise’s story

April 08, 2020

As a lone parent, Karise felt especially alone on the NICU, until a Bliss Champion offered her support.