With 1 in 13 babies in the UK born early (before 37 weeks), Carla Giudice shares five ways the Civil Service can best support colleagues with premature babies.
My journey into parenthood started unconventionally. My pregnancy in 2016 was unexpected, and I relocated from London to Cardiff, commuting to our Westminster office for part of my week. At 29 weeks, I had a restless night’s sleep after the long train journey home – not unusual during pregnancy but something didn’t feel right. I couldn’t feel any kicks.
The next morning I spent hours waiting at the hospital, scrolling through my BlackBerry (a sign of the times) and apologising to my boss for my absence. As I entered the room for my scan, I looked over the radiographer’s shoulder, towards the clock, calculating whether I’d make my next meeting.
The midwife had confirmed a heartbeat and seemed relaxed. But then I spotted her requesting a second opinion. An army of healthcare staff suddenly filled the tiny room.
“Sorry - you will need to stay in hospital until this baby is born.”
The consultant had barely finished his words as I felt the room closing in. How could I stay in hospital for more than 10 weeks? What was wrong with my baby? She slowly explained my baby had restricted growth and stopped receiving nutrients from my placenta. I needed to rest, receive treatment to prepare for an early delivery and be continuously monitored.
Early arrival
I spent a week on the antenatal assessment unit, having reluctantly informed my boss I wouldn’t be returning to work before my baby’s arrival. Suddenly my world turned upside down again.
This time, the doctors weren’t happy with my baby’s heart rate and transferred me to the delivery suite. A decision was made the next morning to deliver my baby by emergency c-section. Baby Luca arrived 10 weeks early, weighing 2lbs 10oz and was whisked straight to the neonatal unit.
Supporting parents
Within a week, I’d gone from my desk at the heart of Westminster to feeling alone and isolated in hospital without my baby at my side. I gave birth before I had even read my baby books, hosted my baby shower or attended any birthing classes.
Nothing prepared me for the next six weeks when Luca remained in hospital and I had to leave him every day to go home. I never expected to find myself in this situation – so it isn’t surprising my colleagues weren’t entirely sure how to react either.
To mark World Prematurity Day, I want to share my reflections on how colleagues can support new parents of premature babies, ensuring that we look after everyone who forms part of our Skilled Civil Service.
Congratulate the new arrival
Parents of premature babies are still parents. If the parent reached out and shared their news, recognise the arrival of their child. Celebrate the birth like you usually would (sending cards and balloons) – but flowers should be avoided, as parents will spend most of their time at the hospital. My director reached out directly and asked if he could visit me in hospital with his daughter. It meant a lot that he made the effort to check on my welfare – and the toy his daughter gave my baby is still one of our treasured possessions.
Don’t expect a reply
Many preemie parents are inundated with kind messages in the early days – but parents can feel overwhelmed if they’re unable to reply to everyone. Send a supportive message letting them know you’re thinking of them, adding a disclaimer that you don’t expect a response.
Prematurity doesn’t end at discharge
Taking your baby home is an eagerly anticipated milestone for parents, but often doesn’t mark the end of ongoing check-ups for premature babies. Parents may need adjustments and a little extra support on their return to work to balance their responsibilities, such as flexible working patterns or a phased return. I used my leave to return to work through a phased approach, alongside compressed hours. This helped me transition Luca to childcare slowly and manage ongoing health issues.
Remind parents of HR support and entitlements
We are fortunate as civil servants to have access to a wealth of wellbeing support, including the Employee Assistance Programme. Line managers should provide details for EAP and support directly to the new parents whilst on leave, which they can access if they wish.
I also accessed my full ‘keep in touch day’ entitlement (allowing every new mum to work up to 10 days without bringing maternity leave to an end), which really helped me process the abrupt start to my leave. This was also helpful financially as Luca’s early arrival impacted my maternity budgeting.
My son is now a happy, healthy five-year-old but he’s spent time in hospital every year since his arrival. Thankfully, this has been no more than several days to provide breathing support.
Supportive managers
Since my return to work, I’ve had consistently supportive managers who’ve helped me balance my career alongside caring responsibilities. Through their support and adjustments, I’ve achieved two promotions since my maternity leave.
I feel proud that as part of A Modern Civil Service, my department looks after staff and empowers them to thrive through stressful personal events to be able to work effectively. I hope other civil servants will provide the same consideration to fellow preemie parents.
6 comments
Comment by John Fitzpatrick posted on
Beautiful blog Carla - sharing the experience really helps other parents who, let’s face it we get stumped for what to do ! Makes them even more special. Wires by Athlete was my absolute go to song for this part of our lives.
Comment by Lisa Norman posted on
Amazing blog and great job at raising awareness around premature births and the NICU. My little boy was born at 30 weeks with Hydrops Fetalis and SVT. He was given a 10% chance of surviving. We spent 73 days on the NICU and after 4 days of getting him home we had to resuscitate him as he went into respiratory arrest.
Your tips are perfect for those not familiar with having a premature baby.
My little boy is doing well and has just turned 5 today! I'm so pleased that your son is making good progress too, preemies are truly amazing and awe inspiring
Comment by Gavin Thomas posted on
Thank you Carla for sharing your story and for the useful tips. I am pleased to hear that your son is making good progress.
I recently heard of a friend who contracted Covid-19 and had a premature birth. I am glad to hear that both are being well supported by the hospital.
Comment by Shuhab Hamid posted on
Nice Blog Carla, been through the same twice with our 1st and 3rd both premature babies...and I agree with Shakila, premature babies are special and miracles indeed...hats off to the Neo Natal unit and their staff...#Legends...
Comment by Shakila posted on
Thanks for sharing Carla and your tips and info are really useful, I hope you and your son are doing great.
I am mum to a 24-weeker who is now 16 years old and amazing. She still deteriorates a bit when ill but is getting stronger each year.
Premmie babies are miracles and inspirational, and a huge well-done to the parents and carers who make the learning journey so special.
Comment by Richard Boyd posted on
Thank you for sharing your story,
There are charities that can offer support for parents of premature children. Bliss (https://www.bliss.org.uk/) offers email peer support or a video call.
For parents of twins or more, the Twins Trust offers help and support (https://twinstrust.org/).