Changing nappies through an incubator will stay with us forever
CYCLING LEGEND AND HIS WIFE SPEAK OF THE FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE OF HAVING A PREMATURE BABY AS THEY SUPPORT PAMPERS CAMPAIGN
CYCLIST Sir Chris Hoy and his wife Sarra have opened up on the ‘frightening’ experience of their son being born 11 weeks early.
Their eldest child Callum was born premature after it was discovered that Sarra had severe pre-eclampsia, a potentially deadly pregnancy disorder characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
It was several days before the couple were allowed to hold their tiny baby, who was born in October 2014.
Callum is now five years old and thriving, and he’s the tallest child in his class.
Multiple Olympic gold medallist and World Champion Chris said: “Having Callum so early was a shocking and frightening experience. Nothing can prepare you for having a tiny and sick baby on a neonatal unit.”
Sarra explained: “It was like holding a frail baby bird. We were terrified but at the same time utterly consumed with love and a desire to protect him.
“You are scared of damaging your baby because they are so tiny. It is a constant challenge.
“There are non-stop alarms and sounds that all monitor your baby so you quickly learn to recognise the good noises and the bad.”
The couple are speaking out to mark World Prematurity Day and to highlight Pampers’ new Preemie Protection nappies for premature babies in partnership with Bliss, the UK’s leading charity for babies born premature or sick.
Sarra added: “It’s difficult to know what you can do as a parent, but one of the first things you are taught is how to change a nappy through the incubator.
“It is very tricky amongst the wires and medical equipment that is keeping your baby alive. Changing nappies like this is a memory that will stay with us forever.”
Chris, who trained at the Manchester Velodrome and won six Olympic cycling golds before retiring in 2013, says the neonatal doctors and nurses were ‘just amazing.’
And he says the support they received from family and friends was ‘incredible.’
Describing how tiny Callum was when he was born, Chris said: “Sarra hadn’t even developed a baby bump.
“The first nappy Callum wore was huge on him and had to be folded over and over. That’s why we’re proud to support this Pampers campaign so more premature babies will have access to a nappy that actually fits.
“The nappies will help keep these tiny babies more comfortable and help them sleep. They will also help the families feel their baby is getting the best possible care. They will also make those incubator nappy changes easier.”
Sarra says she became an ambassador for Bliss after learning what a pivotal role they play in supporting families on neonatal units throughout the country.
“They have volunteers on hand in hospitals and provide an excellent source of information through a phone line and website,” she said.
“In fact Bliss are launching a new night time homepage to support parents during those long nights.
“I am delighted that Pampers are supporting this project too. Bliss knows that by empowering parents with knowledge and skills to care for their baby, it will build confidence, helping parents provide the best possible care for their babies.”
Reflecting on how Callum is doing now, Chris said: “Callum starting school was a real milestone for us. We are extremely proud of him.”