First-time Mum Kelly McQuillan is over the moon to be taking baby Zayn home to Rosebud – 73 days after he was born.
“It is a relief to finally be taking him home,” says Kelly.
“It’s exciting but also scary in a good way.”
Kelly and Zayn have been on quite a journey over the last few months, with Zayn arriving on 14 August, three months early.
“My placenta decided not to co-operate so I was put in Frankston Hospital as I was bleeding at 26 weeks,” recalls Kelly.
“An ultrasound then determined my placenta was haemorrhaging and had actually come away from my uterus as well so I was rushed to a hospital in the city.”
Peninsula Health’s Special Care Nursery cares for babies born from 32 weeks pregnant onwards, which is why sometimes Mums and babies have to be transferred to the city for a period of time.
After having Zayn via emergency C-section, Kelly spent a few weeks travelling back and forth from the city until Zayn was transferred to Frankston Hospital’s Special Care Nursery.
“I was doing about 1300 kilometres a week to go and see him, which I’d do a million times over, but it was good when he was able to come to Frankston as it’s closer to home,” says Kelly.
“He’s been here for four weeks and everyone has been really lovely and supportive.”
Zayn has improved immensely during his month in the Special Care Nursery at Frankston Hospital.
“He’s doubled his birth weight while he’s been here which is a big here and he’s now suck feeding.”
“He is now nearly triple his birth weight of 1066 grams.”
While he wasn’t supposed to come into this world until 8 November, Zayn is now safely at home with Mum Kelly and will come in for a regular check-up with Peninsula Health’s paediatric service.
Jessica Mills
JMills@phcn.vic.gov.au
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