Held Close: Gracie’s Story

When Stephanie and Brendan welcomed their daughter Gracie into the world at just 27 weeks, their journey as a family began much earlier than they had expected.

Born weighing just 2lbs 2oz, Gracie was taken straight to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children, where she would spend the first three weeks of her life.

Through our Held Close campaign, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity is raising vital funds to support babies, families and staff across all three neonatal units in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – at the Royal Hospital for Children, the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley and the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital.

For families like Gracie's, that support can mean practical help, precious connections and moments of normality during days and weeks spent in neonatal care.

At 23 weeks, Stephanie had been admitted to hospital and put on bedrest after signs that her pregnancy was at risk. Thanks to the care of her medical team, she was able to continue the pregnancy for another four weeks before Gracie was born.

"Staff were absolutely amazing and we trusted them completely to help Gracie. They made us feel so comfortable and kept us informed of everything they were doing."

Like many babies born prematurely, Gracie faced challenges in her first weeks of life. When her breathing deteriorated, she needed extra support, and it was difficult for Stephanie and Brendan to see their tiny daughter surrounded by tubes and cannulas.

"It was so hard but at the same time, we knew this is what she needed to get better and she was being looked after so well."

During those early days, charity-funded support helped Stephanie and Brendan feel close to their daughter even when they couldn't physically be beside her.

Stephanie and Gracie were given Miniboos – soft comforter blankets that can be swapped between parents and babies.

"It's like being able to have a wee bit of her with you when you have to be apart."

They also treasured the photos and videos they received through VCreate, another charity-funded project which helps parents stay connected with their baby when they can't be at the hospital.

One moment in particular has stayed with them.

"When the World Cup started, the nurses sent us a photo of Gracie wearing a wee cone hat. It was such a normal thing that parents get to do with their babies during a big event, but we would have completely missed it without VCreate and the nurses."

And just eight days after Gracie was born, Brendan received a Father's Day gift from the charity – a small gesture that created a special memory during an incredibly emotional time as a new dad.

In Gracie's earliest days, she was fed with donor milk before Stephanie was able to express enough milk herself. Once she did, the family received a charity-funded Express Yourself kit, providing everything they needed to safely transport milk between home and hospital.

"Just not having to think about how you're going to get the milk safely to the hospital takes a huge weight off your mind when you already have so much to think about."

Thankfully, Gracie responded well to treatment and continued to make encouraging progress. After three weeks at the Royal Hospital for Children, she was strong enough to be transferred to the neonatal unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

It meant moving from one of the three neonatal units supported by Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity to another – and beginning the next stage of Gracie's journey.

Although leaving the unit they had come to know was emotional, Stephanie and Brendan were reassured from the very beginning.

"The ambulance staff were amazing and made us feel like she was in such safe hands during the move."

At the Royal Alexandra Hospital, the family have been able to become even more involved in caring for their daughter.

"It's a different environment, which we soon adjusted to, and the quieter space has allowed us more time with her. We are so involved in all her care, and we really feel like she's our baby now. The staff at both hospitals are real life angels."

Looking back on their neonatal journey so far, Stephanie and Brendan say it is the people and the little moments that have made the biggest difference.

"Every wee milestone is celebrated along the way. You honestly feel like you're the only family, despite the fact they're dealing with so many different people. The charity-funded support has been invaluable. Utterly vital. It's given us those special moments of joy that you really need when you're going through so much."

After weeks of neonatal care, Gracie was finally able to go home with her family – an incredible four weeks before her original due date.

After a journey that had taken them through two neonatal units, Stephanie and Brendan could finally leave hospital with their daughter and begin life together at home.

 

Through Held Close, we're raising vital funds to support babies and families across all three neonatal units in Greater Glasgow and Clyde – at the Royal Hospital for Children, Royal Alexandra Hospital and Princess Royal Maternity Hospital.

Because wherever a family's neonatal journey takes them, we want to help make sure they feel supported, connected and held close.