Noah’s Story

Noah’s Story

After being rushed to Portsmouth Hospital, Guernsey mum Syke gave birth to her first child, Noah. Being born at just 26 weeks meant that off-island care was needed, and Skye recalls her experience here.

It was 22nd May 2023, the day of my 25th birthday. I was 26 weeks and 3 days into my first pregnancy celebrating in the usual way – food, shopping and spending time with family. While shopping, I felt a very wet sensation, as if I had wet myself which we’d just put down to a weak bladder. Until the early hours of the 23rd, I had no further problems.

Then, at 2am, I had started feeling tight pains, which were very painful, off and on. I woke up my partner to let him know and we put it down to Braxton Hicks even though it was actually too early. I monitored the pains until 5am and decided to call the ward in Guernsey for some advice. They asked me to pop up for a check over.

I arrived to the unit at 7am and was being examined by a midwife. At 7.30am I was told that my water had gone and I was in fact 1cm dilated and contracting. My partner and I just looked at each other in complete and utter shock. I was expecting to be given the all clear and be back at work within the hour.

I was placed into the labour suite, and staff explained that I needed to have steroid injections to help strengthen my baby’s lungs, due to them being underdeveloped. I was also given an injection to help stop my contractions, but by 9am they became even more intense. The likely outcome was for me to be flown to either Portsmouth or Southampton sooner rather than later. The midwife advised it would be beneficial if my partner was to go home to gather some belongings to take over with me. 

I was advised that the Medivac (Air Ambulance) had been dispatched and was en route to collect me. I would then be treated in Portsmouth as they had available space for me. At 11am my contractions had come to a complete stop, and all monitoring of the baby was perfect – even if he was in breach.

At 12.30pm the Air Ambulance had arrived to collect me. I was talked through absolutely everything that was going to happen from that exact moment to the moment I arrived in Portsmouth, which put me a little bit more at ease. I was told that, due to situation, I would have a Neonatal Nurse, a midwife and doctor present. While on the plane, it seemed like a lifetime. The reality of what was happening finally hit me, and I felt so out of control. I began feeling overwhelmed, but comforted by the amazing staff onboard. Mid-flight, my contractions had slowly returned and became a lot more intense.

When I arrived at Portsmouth Queen Alexander, I was taken straight into Maternity Services to continue my care. At 3.30pm my contractions were being monitored and I was examined. I was then informed that my baby was still in breach and I was in fact 5cm dilated. As baby’s position had not changed, there would be a serious risk of a natural birth, therefore a C-Section would be happening. I was given another steroid injection for my baby’s lungs, and moved into a bigger room. 

The surgeon that would be performing my C-Section had come to see me to explain how he was planning on delivering my baby. I was then taken down to surgery and my baby was delivered at 6.39pm weighing 2lb 3oz. Hearing a very muffled cry, and a quick glance of my perfect baby boy, he was whisked off in an incubator to the Neonatal ward. 

I was taken to the maternity ward and handed a picture of my son – the first time I had been able to see his perfect little face. I rested and waited until I was told I could go down and see him. At around 11pm, I was taken down to NICU to finally meet my beautiful Noah. But nothing ever prepared me for the ambivalent delight that moment would be. How difficult it was to navigate everything that was happening around you, but also the bittersweet moment of seeing this teeny tiny baby fighting for their life. How can something so terrifying be so perfect at the same time? 

I was told I was allowed to open his incubator, touch and speak to him so that he knew I was there, a familiar sound, some sort of security. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it, I was petrified of hurting his delicate skin and his tiny limbs. There was so many leads and wires all over his body, it was just to overwhelming. Being a first time mum, everything was new to me, but this? This was a fear like no other. I went back to the ward petrified whether or not my baby would survive. 

The next morning, I was informed about PPBF and the amazing work that they do for local families in petrifying and stressful situations like this. Knowing that Noah and I would have to stay in Portsmouth until he was ready to be transferred back to Guernsey, I contacted Jo and explained my situation. Although the PPBF did not have any flats in the Portsmouth area, I was reassured that they would help in other ways, all I had to do was ask. 

The PPBF offered to pay for flights so Noah’s siblings could meet him, but also for my partner to give me that well-needed support and comfort. Just knowing that I was able to either pick up the phone or drop a text message, with any concerns, questions or support was very much appreciated but also reassuring. 

Fast forward to 17th July 2023 and we were going home! Noah had finally managed to come off all his breathing support meaning he was safe to be transferred home by Air Ambulance. Being aware of our return to Guernsey soil, the PPBF brought us the most beautiful and sentimental Baby Box, providing us with some essential items, but also a little care package for me – the most thoughtful thing. 

I couldn’t be anymore grateful to them for the work they do and the support they give. PPBF will forever have a place in my heart. 

The PPBF continues to offer support to families who may be referred to other UK hospitals. We do this through financial and practical support, along with having a Baby Box ready when families return home. If you would like to donate to other areas of our work, you can do so here.