Most parents and caregivers can’t believe where time has gone and that their little one started school last week but, for some, this day is an even bigger landmark.
Some parents and caregivers had babies that entered the world a little earlier than initially planned and this coincided with medical challenges, some life threatening. Others went full term but had a rocky start. Many of these babies were patients at the Neonates Unit at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow and the first few days, weeks, and months were frightening and challenging for these families.
But, last week, their babies proved once again that they are little fighters.
They started school. A milestone worth celebrating.
Mandy Meechan, Chief Nurse for Paediatrics, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said:
“It feels like yesterday that we were caring for many of these children, and it is amazing to see all of them pull on their unforms for the first time to start their first day of school. Parents are always delighted to share their ‘first day’ photographs to also express their gratitude to the team and the hospital. We love to hear about these family milestones.”
Janice Heggie, Lead Nurse for Neonates, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said:
“Every year we need to have the tissues ready when parents send us their ‘then and now’ photographs of kids starting their first day of school. We create such a special bond with the babies and the families when they are in our care, and it means so much to us that they loop back to share how well things are going. We wish all our babies the best of luck at school.”
From neonates to primary school, some kind parents have shared their pictures with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde below.
Noa from Uddingston was born at 30 weeks and was transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow where she was given an operation and blood transfusions just 24 hours later. Noa was in the RHC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a total of 87 days, and she finally came home on 18th December 2018. It was the best Christmas present her family could ever have asked for. Now, she has started school and has absolutely loved her first few days.
When TJ from Airdrie was four weeks old, he spent eight weeks in the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow when it was discovered that he had Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus. Since then, he has had two operations and quite a few overnights. He still visits the hospital’s Renal Clinic every few months and Feeding Clinic regularly. Taking hospital visits in his stride, TJ is now excited for his newest challenge, school.
Jamie’s mum, from Old Kilpatrick, tells us that he has gone from a 1lb 8oz premature baby in the RHC Neonatal Unit to a “fierce and confident almost 5-year-old”.
Emily from Newton Mearns was born in the RHC in December 2017 at 28 weeks. She was just 2lb 2oz at the time. Emily’s parents can hardly believe that she has started primary one. Reflecting on the past five years and ahead of Emily’s first school day, her mum has said: “We are eternally grateful for everything the NICU/SCBU teams did for us.”
Blake’s parents, from Kilmarnock, were also delighted to share his first day at school photographs. Blake spent a short time in the Royal Hospital for Children in 2019 when her had Laryngomalacia. His mum tells us that he is ready for school and thriving.
Finally, here’s Freddie from West Calder. Freddie spent time in the RHC NICU after being born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). This week he was full of smiles and could hardly wait to start school.
Congratulations families. Here’s to many wonderful years ahead.