Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust celebrates World Prematurity Day

photo of baby Blake in neonatal sleeping in an incubator, alongside a photo of Blake aged 1 sat behind a birthday cake

In recognition of World Prematurity Day on Sunday, Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust is hosting a special celebration event today to highlight its neonatal service achievements and future development plans.

The event will feature key speakers from the Trust, alongside a heartfelt personal story from Jodie Henderson from Wakefield, whose daughter Blake was born prematurely at 29 weeks last October. Blake spent eight weeks in the neonatal unit at Pinderfields Hospital, and Jodie who describes the care they received as “exceptional during an incredibly anxious time” will share her family’s experience of preterm birth.

Jodie hopes her story will bring comfort to other families in similar situations. She shared: “As first-time parents, we had no idea what to expect, and I’ll never forget the moment I first saw her - so perfect but so tiny. I was terrified! The nurses and doctors were incredibly supportive, going above and beyond to help us feel like her parents, involving us as much as possible in her care. It truly helped us bond as a family.

“Blake had a tough start after contracting Necrotizing enterocolitis and was born at just 1lb 14oz, but she didn’t let that stop her. She grew stronger each day and came home after eight weeks in the neonatal unit.

“Now she’s just turned one. She’s cheeky, independent, and full of confidence. She’s still only 17lb, but she more than makes up for it with her voice! We’re so grateful for everything Pinderfields did for us, it will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

In addition to the event, the Trust’s neonatal staff are holding a bake sale to raise funds for the unit. They are also sharing valuable resources, including support services and tips for caring for premature babies, in honour of World Prematurity Day.

Kerry Reede Field, Director of Midwifery, Children’s Nursing, and Women’s Health at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, said: “Globally, 1 in 10 babies are born preterm - before 37 weeks - and for parents and carers, spending long hours beside an incubator without being able to hold their baby can be extremely challenging. We’re incredibly grateful to Jodie for sharing her story which will offer valuable insights and support to parents experiencing neonatal care.”

The Trust is also supporting Bliss’ #NeonatalFeelings campaign on its social media platforms, encouraging people to express the emotions they felt when their baby was in neonatal care. The goal is to start conversations about these often unspoken feelings and show families that they are not alone.

If you're interested in learning more about the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust’s Neonatal Unit, you can visit their site at www.midyorks.nhs.uk/neonatal. To find out how you can make a difference or to make a donation, visit www.myhospitalscharity.org.