When Emily’s care team said she'd only get to hold her daughter for a minute before she would be moved to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), fear and anxiety set in.
Ivy was born nine weeks early and required specialized care in the NICU, where she stayed for the first thirty days of her life. Meanwhile, Emily was able to stay close by at RMH London until her daughter got bigger and stronger.
“Although it was difficult, I knew deep in my heart how lucky I was to be able to stay so close to Ivy.”
STRANGERS BECAME FAMILY
When Emily was given a welcome tour with RMH London, she didn’t know what to expect.
“That moment was very overwhelming for me, being a new mom and staying in an unfamiliar place.”
That feeling quickly faded as Emily felt the warmth, generosity and kindness ingrained in the House. She especially appreciated the friendly greetings as she walked the 165 steps to and from the hospital every day.
“By the time I got settled into my room, it started to feel like my home away from home.”
DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES
Emily woke up during the nights to pump and be able to bring milk to feed Ivy in the NICU.
“I remember feeling very alone, not having my baby to hold and rock in those moments.”
Despite those challenging moments, Emily and Austin are grateful for their time at the House and all that it provided for their family of three.
Now, a year later, Ivy is growing nonstop. She always has a smile on her face, showing off seven teeth with the eighth on the way. Ivy recently started daycare, she is a social butterfly, and she loves going for wagon rides to the park.
“Having a close, safe, clean space to rest was such a blessing. Not having to worry about cooking let us focus solely on bonding time and caring for our daughter.”
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