Miracle Mum, Erin shares the story of bringing beautiful little Kingsley into the world at 24 weeks and having to navigate what seemed like an endless list of complications.

"I was 23 weeks pregnant with my first when I went into labour. I was rushed to John Hunter in an ambulance from Gosford hospital already at 7cm dilated.

I was put on immediate bed rest and the nurses and doctors worked extra hard to keep my little one in. However, after a week I spontaneously went back into labour and delivered our son Kingsley at 24 weeks. He was 775grams.  

He had every complication imaginable. He had Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which fortunately resolved itself, his lung perforated, and his bowel also perforated causing fluid to spill into his tiny belly. This led to three surgeries and procedures to keep him alive and prevent him from contracting sepsis. He was nil by mouth constantly, and he needed blood transfusions and laser surgery to stop him from going blind due to progressing to stage 3 Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)... it felt like it never ended.

After 120 days, three hospital transfers and four surgeries, we came home with a stoma bag on his belly and an oxygen tank 24/7. Bringing him home was so scary and we didn’t sleep for months. 

Three years later we have a beautiful, perfect, bouncy, bubbly, cheeky toddler who has lit up our lives and puts a smile on everyone's face. 

I never gave up. I insisted on breast feeding and pushed myself to be by his side as much as possible - I practically slept in the NICU at times. I hope a mum and dad going through this experience can hold onto hope like I did."

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

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