Full Term Feelings: Evie’s Story

Full Term Feelings: Evie’s Story

Bliss Charity is currently running its Full Term Awareness Month campaign to raise awareness of the journeys that families go through when a baby becomes unwell after being born at full-term.

As part of this, families are invited to share their stories using the hashtag #FullTermFeelings. We are sharing little Evie’s story, kindly told by her mum, Anthea to represent islanders who may have gone through similar experiences.

Although Evie did not require treatment in Southampton, she still went through a great deal with her family here in Guernsey, receiving care and support from our local healthcare teams.

“Evie was born July 2018 at 41+5. My pregnancy was pretty straight forward, bit of morning sickness and seemed to hate most foods but other than that, things were OK.

On the morning of Evie’s birth, I was due to be induced and we had a plan for the 3 days. If, on 42 weeks, we were still going then I was booked in for a C-section. Evie’s movements reduced that morning and the local Obstetrician wasn’t happy with the monitor readings taken at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital here in Guernsey.”

“I then became a Category 1 emergency, which is life-threatening. The mood changed, a massive grab bag was having all sorts thrown into it and my husband was told to change. The porter ran me down the corridor, the bed was being rammed into the lift and they ran into theatre. I didn’t have any time to think or take anything in.  Theatre was busy and I was assisted by two midwives and other staff while the epidural was given.”

“The room was very quiet during delivery apart from the anaesthetist and midwife checking in. Evie was born and the team from the Neonatal Intensive Unit (NICU) had arrived. They were originally stood down, but it became apparent that Evie needed their help and she was taken to NICU.

I was in recovery and finally able to see Evie that afternoon. My husband, Rob, had been to see her beforehand but I know he felt torn between helping me and being at our daughter’s side. When we were with Evie she had a seizure and was being administered medication. They didn’t know the impact of the medication or the seizure until it wore off. Thankfully she didn’t have another.”

“Evie spent the week in NICU and was gradually downgraded until the following Monday where she was discharged onto Loveridge Ward. Then, we were both discharged home.

The NICU were amazing. I was allowed to head in whenever I wanted to and we managed skin to skin contact. I experienced all the emotions, I cried a lot, didn’t sleep, hated the dark and have spent the last 4.5 years coming to terms with what we went through.”

“Evie had brain scans at 10 days and 6 months, and has been under paediatric care since her time in the NICU. She was diagnosed as autistic with speech and processing delay in November 2021. This is not related to her birth.”

“Now, Evie is 4 and a half years old, and her little brother, Elliott, is two. Evie attends Le Rondin School and loves her time there. We enjoy music and spending time with our friends and family.”

“NICU awareness for full term is important because the assumption is that only premature babies need help. Evie was full term and absolutely fine until the last couple of hours before birth.”

A big thank you to the Roue family for sharing their story.

The work the PPBF carries out locally is incredibly important for families like Anthea’s. We work closely with the NICU team to discuss the equipment and resources needed, as well as continuing to create our beloved Baby Boxes with essentials and gifts for parents on the Unit. Kind donations make all of this possible.

If you would like to share your story with us, please get in touch with us: info@ppbf.org.gg