Arabella Faith was born on Saturday 2nd November 2013. She was born with a condition called “Gastroschisis” which effects about 1 in 3000 babies. Gastroschisis is where part  or all of the baby’s bowel and intestines do not go inside of the foetus therefore, the baby is born with them on the outside of their body.

 I was scheduled for induction at 37 weeks on the 4th November 2013 (My birthday). However, Arabella decided she didn’t want to share my birthday with me and subsequently was born by emergency C-Section in Gloucester Royal. It was there I had my first experience with the NEST team.  When Arabella was born she barely cried, a mere little squeak if anything. Whilst, I led on the operating table with Rob holding my hand, we could hear all the paediatrics and consultants working vigorously on Arabella. After what seemed an eternity they finally wheeled Arabella round past us, we had a quick glimpse before they ran off with her again. I was then wheeled into a side room to recover and wait to be told that we could go see our daughter. We waited and waited and waited a bit more then finally we were allowed to go see her.

When we arrived at her side she was already sedated, ventilated as well as incubated – swamped by wires and busy frantic hands working away on her. You could barely make out her small, petite yet, beautiful face.  We were by her side for all of 10 minutes before we got told she was ready to be transferred to St. Michaels Hospital, Bristol (where she was actually supposed to be born). Alex introduced himself as a member of the NEST team and explained that it would be himself in the ambulance with her on her way down to the hospital. He kindly and professionally explained everything that they would be doing during transportation. Although, at that moment in time everything he told us went in one ear and came out the other. Nothing that was said to me would sink in.

 The time then came; I got wheeled off leaving my precious daughter behind. The whole feeling was so surreal. I’d just had a baby and yet I couldn’t hold her, kiss or do anything that so many people wouldn’t even think twice about doing with their hour old newborn baby.

I was discharged the following day and went straight down to Bristol to see my daughter that I’d waited a long and painful 8 months for. It was there that we were first informed about “Cots for Tots”. A charity that not only offers support and funding to the hospital raising money for state of the art equipment that the NHS can’t fund for but also the free “home-from-home” accommodation literally across the road from the hospital. It was such a relief and a comfort knowing that we were at hand and could be at her bedside as and when we wanted to be as well as needed to be. Anne (house manager) was always a friendly face when you needed it, asking how you was, how Arabella was getting on and simply offering if there was anything we needed.

Across, the road at the hospital I couldn’t fault any of the midwives, they were all so attentive, any questions or concerns they would instantly give me an honest answer. They were all friendly and genuine. Arabella spent 7 days in the Intensive Care unit and a further 9 days in the High Dependency Unit then transferred back to Gloucester  Neonatal  Unit for her final recovery.  At 3 days old Arabella underwent surgery to put the remaining bowel, stomach and intestines back inside and stitch her up. At 4 days old she had her breathing tube removed and started breathing for herself; she was no longer sedated and therefore started opening her eyes. It was then that we got our first cuddle, the moment we’d been waiting for the moment so many people take for granted. The first time I held her I’d never felt such relief and happiness, no feeling compares.

From day 4 Arabella proved she was a fighter coming along in leaps and bounds she was not letting anything or anyone hold her back.  3 days later she got the first drop of milk (1ml to be exact) it was such a momentous moment knowing that she was finally doing things that any other newborn would do.

Through thick and thin, ups and downs Arabella finally got to come to home. She was 22 days old weighing 6lb 3oz and was the most perfect little thing I’d ever laid my eyes on. We were originally told to expect 6  weeks before taking her home, just seems she couldn’t wait. Now at 3 months old you couldn’t tell Arabella apart from any other baby the same age as her. She has a small 1.5cm scar next to her belly button but nothing seems to bother her. She is a happy, cheeky baby who I wouldn’t change for the world.

I can’t thank Cots for Tots more for all the amazing work that they do. If it wasn’t for them a difficult and emotional experience would’ve been made near unbearable. Likewise, the midwives, paediatrics are outstanding they are all literally angels in disguise!

This charity has personally helped me and needs relies on continuous donations to keep it up and running. I can honestly say if it wasn't for Cots for Tots and all it's funding it does to get the equipment  required for babies like Arabella  then she  wouldn't be here today. 

Even if it's just 50p you cann donate, every penny counts towards something. I've set my target at £1,000 but obviously I'd love to beat it !