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First word? Dada… dadadada.

Our last trip back to the hospital to repeat the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test that diagnosed Clara with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder did not go to plan. To carry out the test, your child needs to be asleep. That’s not easy with a 9 month old. She sleeps when she sleeps! But I didContinueContinue reading “First word? Dada… dadadada.”

Oxford Half Marathon -SSNAP

Today my sister and brother both took part in the Oxford Half Marathon, pounding the streets to raise money for charities close to their hearts. One of those charities was SSNAP. The Oxford based charity supporting the Neonatal Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital where Clara spent her first six weeks of life. To seeContinueContinue reading “Oxford Half Marathon -SSNAP”

Deciding to return to work after having a premature and/or sick baby

Before I get into this in too much detail, I need to start by acknowledging how lucky we are. I am able to return to work. Do you know what that means? My daughter is healthy enough that she doesn’t require 24/7 home care with community nurses, nor does she require a parent to stay withContinueContinue reading “Deciding to return to work after having a premature and/or sick baby”

Clara’s hearing: Visual Reinforcement Audiometry test

I’ve sat down to write this update having just sung Clara to sleep. No bottle, no cuddles, just a simple song and her eyes were closing gently. This works because Clara can hear. It’s been the same song from the beginning. I don’t know why I sang it to Clara originally, it was just oneContinueContinue reading “Clara’s hearing: Visual Reinforcement Audiometry test”

NICU Awareness Month

September is that time of year where it could be any season. Leftover sunshine from summer, blustery winds in preparation for Autumn, cold mornings looking for Winter, or soft days requiring cardigans like Spring. But when you’re in Intensive Care the seasons don’t matter. Often, you don’t notice if it’s light or dark. Thankfully thatContinueContinue reading “NICU Awareness Month”