A family story of belief and achievement

Privileged to have been invited to speak at the 5th Swansea Perinatal Symposium 2019 (SWAPS 2019), at The Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Hosted by the Department of Neonatal Medicine, Singleton Hospital, Swansea - Improving outcomes for the mother and her child.

Shared our journey with 200 delegates from the the medical profession including paediatricians, neonatologists, obstetricians, midwives, neonatal nurses and advanced #nurse practitioners. 

We had a newborn baby who, following a #brain haemorrhage at birth, we were told was unlikely to survive the night. If he did, he was likely to be 99% brain damaged. Our baby survived. 

We talked about the neonatal care our son received at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff particularly during the first hours, days, weeks and months. We explained what worked well and what could have been done differently. 

Diagnosed with #hydrocephalus, #cerebral palsy. Late achieving his milestones such as talking, sitting up, walking, the support of his second Mother, aka his sister, 3 lots of brain surgery,  physiotherapy, occupational therapy, conductive education, hydrotherapy, additional support at school, he has grown into a wonderful and capable young man. He has a full-time job, drives a car  and leads a fulfilling life.

It's what you can do that counts. 

First hand experience from parents of #neonats, helping improve #outcomes for others.