Premature birth mums told 'you are not alone'

5 hours ago

Grace McGroryEast Yorkshire & Lincolnshire

News image — Charlotte's son Theodore was born 12 weeks early, and weighed 2lb 11oz (1.21kg)

Family handout A woman is smiling at the camera. She has black hair and is wearing a black strappy top. She is holding a tiny baby on her check, which is wearing a white knitted hat. There are various hospital machines and wires in the background. — Charlotte's son Theodore was born 12 weeks early, and weighed 2lb 11oz (1.21kg)

The mother of a baby born prematurely and who spent months in neonatal care has written a book to inspire and give comfort to those going through similar challenges.

Charlotte was rushed to hospital in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, in 2024 after she was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. Her son Theodore was then born there 12 weeks early.

Her book, Three Months of Hope, is to raise money for the places that looked after him and reflects the start of Theodore's life.

Charlotte said: "I hope that for parents reading this while still living their own neonatal journey, it brings you comfort and reminds you that you are not alone – even on the days when it feels like the world has stopped around you."

'Emotional strength'

Charlotte and her husband Dave were sent about 100 miles (161km) from Airedale Hospital in West Yorkshire to Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby when she was 28 weeks pregnant.

After he was born, Theodore spent the first two weeks of his life there before moving to Leeds General Infirmary.

He underwent three major bowel operations and heart surgery over the course of three months.

Charlotte added: "Your story won't be the same as ours. Every baby, every family, and every journey is different. But one thing I know for certain is this; you are stronger than you think.

"You will discover a resilience you never knew you had, and your love for your child will carry you through moments you once believed were impossible."

Family handout A woman is smiling at the camera. She has short black hair and is wearing a green strappy top. She is carrying a boy, who has blonde hair and is wearing some black reins and a white t-shirt. In the background there is a marina. — Theodore is now two years old

Charlotte said: "It's taken me two years to find the emotional strength to write this book.

"For the first time I have truly allowed myself to talk about what happened, to acknowledge how deeply it affected me and to accept that it's okay to carry those emotions."

Charlotte she added that she will "always be so grateful" to the team at Grimsby.

"The nurses and doctors were extraordinary. In the middle of what felt like a nightmare, they remained clam, compassionate and endlessly patient."

All the profits that are made will be donated to the neonatal units that cared for Theodore.

A copy of the book has also been given to the unit at Grimsby.

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