Her first visit came in June 2021 after her first-born, Xavier, arrived eight weeks prematurely, via an emergency cesarean section, weighing in at a tiny 3lb 8oz.
Xavier had a low heart rate and spent 21 days in NICU before Rhiannon and husband Rhys were allowed to take him home.
Then, in February this year, Xavier’s little brother, Odin, made a similar dramatic entrance into the world having also arrived eight weeks early, weighing just 3lb 14oz.
Odin was to spend 18 days gaining weight in NICU before going home.
Rhiannon has shared her story in a bid to thank the ‘amazing’ staff for all they did.
The family has also raised £445 for NICU as a token of their thanks.
Recalling Xavier’s birth Rhiannon said:
“I was already in hospital due to my blood pressure being high consistently for four days.
“Just after midnight on 8th June, a midwife on Ward 19 placed me on the monitor due to concerns that I hadn’t felt my son move and couldn’t remember the last time I did.
“When placed on the monitor we discovered my son was unhappy and had a low heart rate.
“It was decided an emergency C-section was the best option. I called my husband and we were then prepared and signed consent forms.
Above: Xavier in NICU and today
“After a very difficult pregnancy, being back and forth hospital due to having high blood pressure, our son, Xavier, was born, weighing a tiny 3lb 8oz.
“He was taken to the NICU unit immediately. He was supported to gain weight to become strong enough to come home. He came home on 29th June, weighing 4lb 1oz.”
The family could be forgiven for not wishing to see NICU again but that was not to be the case.
Rhiannon said of her second pregnancy: “On the morning of 3rd February, 2023, I woke up due to having a nightmare at 4.40am to discover my waters had broken. I rang the assessment unit, who explained I needed to come straight in due to the risk of premature birth again.”
Odin arrived at 4.36pm, also eight weeks early, weighing just 3lb 14oz.
“The room was filled with neonatal staff and consultants. I was able to have skin-to-skin with Odin and he was then taken over to the NICU for support.”
Fortunately the family’s second happy ending took place after 18 days when Odin was allowed to go home on 21st February weighing 4lb 1oz.
“I never expected to need the unit once, let alone twice. Me and my husband, Rhys, are incredibly grateful for the support provided both of us each time we needed the unit and will forever be thankful.
“Our experience with the staff was absolutely amazing, both times. We regularly had v-creates providing us with images while we were unable to be at the NICU.
“While Xavier was in NICU, the nurses were exceptional providing us with constant support, helping us to establish a bond with our baby.
“One nurse in particular, Leigh Bainbridge really made the difference to Odin’s stay.
“Xavier had a seizure while Odin was in NICU so I needed to leave promptly and Leigh provided us with constant updates via V-Create, which takes pictures and videos, meaning that we didn’t need to ‘worry’ about Odin while being in another hospital with Xavier.”
The family recently to handover a cheque for the money they raise to the health board’s Swansea Bay Health Charity.
Above: Odin in NICU and today
Rhiannon said: ‘My mum, June, held a psychic night in Gowerton rugby club – so a special thanks to them – raising money for Singleton Hospital’s neonatal unit.
“She raised £450 to put back into the ward that helped both my premature babies thrive in June 2021 and February 2024.”
Helen James, matron neonatal services, said:
“I am very touched by Rhiannon, Rhys, and June’s generosity and kindness in raising this money for the neonatal unit at Singleton.
“It is always a delight to have feedback from our families. The use of V-create in providing pictures and videos, has helped reassure so many of our parents when they have not been able to be on the unit with their babies.
“Both Xavier and Odin are both doing so well and are a credit to Rhiannon and Rhys.
“The money that has been generously given will be used to support our families whilst on the neonatal unit.”
Swansea Bay Health Charity is the health board’s official umbrella charity for the 285 separate funds within Swansea Bay.
The money raised is used to provide above and beyond what NHS funding alone can provide.
To find out more about the Swansea Bay Health Charity visit its new website here.
[Lead image: Swansea University Health Board]
