Our baby daughter Millie Marie was due to be born on the 19th September 2016, but instead at Bassetlaw hospital, Worksop, she came much too early on the 8th June 2016.  

15 weeks early and weighing just 1lb 15oz she was born in very bad condition and had to be stabilised by the amazing team at Bassetlaw and the fantastic Embrace ambulance team, which then transferred her to Jessops.  The staff at Jessops were amazing, we were allowed to stay at Jessops as long as we needed and was made very welcome and kept fully informed at what was happening.  

We was told shortly after that Millie had suffered a grade 4 bleed on the right side of her brain and would almost certainly have some form of disability, but it wasn't clear as to how bad this would be until time went on. Her heart was fine, her lungs were doing well,  although there were complications after a few days with her breathing but we hoped everything would be fine and would improve.

However,   after over 10 days on the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and many scans of her brain and X-rays of her chest etc we were told that the bleed on her brain was worse than originally thought and that she had also suffered another grade 4 bleed on the left side of her brain, and although not as bad as the right side (which was now showing extensive damage caused by the bleed)  she would have severe disabilities and wouldn't really have any quality of life, especially that her lungs had also weakened and were showing permanent damage, we were told she may also never come off oxygen.

We were now completely heartbroken and were left with the decision no one should ever have to make, regarding letting Millie go.  We had a naming ceremony on the Neonatal Unit and the next day spent time with Millie before all the wires and tubes were removed, then we cuddled her until she fell asleep.  This was litterely the worse thing we've ever had to do.  We are heartbroken.

Millie fell asleep on the 20th June 2016

She will always be in our hearts, and we'l always love her and cherish the time we had with her.

The care and professionalism of the staff on the NICU were amazing.  They really are a credit to their job. We'd love to raise some money to donate to the NICU as without them, we wouldn't have even had 12 days with her.  It costs £1000 a day, per baby on the NICU.  Fundraising for the NICU goes to the simple things such as nappies and baby clothes, but also towards building more accommodation for parents to be able to stay at Jessops near their baby and trust me... This is vital!  The last place you want to go is home when this happens to you as baby's are admitted here from all over the country.  They truly are amazing! 

Thank you for your support.

All the best x

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