At 25 weeks I went into unexpected labour (I thought I had very bad trapped wind) after going to the hospital in agony. They thought I had a urine infection and after tests came back all clear they decided to do an internal. After a look of a very concerned face, I was told that they needed to get me to a delivery suite. Absolutely terrified, they rushed me down and told me they would do everything they could to try and save the baby, but the chances weren't good. They said they may be able to stall the labour. They gave me an injection and said they would check in an hour as they may be able to stitch me. However after an hour this baby decided now was the time to arrive.

With my partner and now my mum at my bedside and my very worried Dad waiting outside, a team of around 15 doctors, nurses and midwives were there waiting for the baby to arrive. They told me not to worry and that I wouldn't hear the baby when it arrived but they would do everything they could. After a final push, my baby arrived and we heard the tiniest cry ever, but it was a cry!! Weighing 1lb 14.4oz our beautiful baby boy was here. He was whisked away after being ventilated. A few hours later we were allowed to go and see him. He was perfect. He had many hurdles along the way in his NICU stay, he suffered with NEC twice resulting in 39cm of his bowel removed, he got sepsis making him hideously poorly and he had real trouble gaining weight, especially after having a stoma bag. There was so many ups and downs through his stay, but we remained as positive as we could, as this tiny baby just fought all the way.

We spent a total of 128 days in NICU before we were finally allowed to bring him home, though the hospital started to feel like home and we really missed it when we went home. However Ralph is now thriving and recently celebrated his 1st birthday. He is the happiest little soul I've ever met, and he makes me and his Dad proud EVERY day.

Lucy Dearing lucylui92@hotmail.com Yes Yes