Families praise Neonatal staff on World Prematurity Day

Twin girls Nola (left) and Cove for World Prematurity Day.

Grateful families have thanked caring staff at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust this World Prematurity Day 2025 (WPD).

Marked annually on 17 November, the WPD campaign aims to raise awareness of premature birth, the impact it can have on families and the support available.

Penkridge couple Zara and James recently welcomed two bundles of joy – baby girls Nola and Cove, born on 9 October 2025 at 30 weeks.

The first-time mum was rushed to the Delivery Suite at New Cross Hospital during a routine scan when her waters suddenly broke. She recalls feeling “waves of back pain that could only be contractions”.

Maternity and Neonatal staff sprang into action, and the twins arrived just seven hours later.

Each weighing 2 pounds, 9 ounces, little more than bags of sugar, the girls were admitted to the Neonatal Unit for monitoring.

Mum Zara, aged 27, explained: “The girls’ oxygen levels are being checked regularly as they have had some reflux, bringing milk back up after feeding, so it’s ensuring their airways are kept clear.

“We’ve had such great care, and we’ve seen other families like us go home so we know it’s all going to be ok. That will be us soon.”

The couple praised the Neonatal Unit’s efforts to care for both babies and their parents, ranging from emotional wellbeing support to breastfeeding tips and techniques.

Dad James added: “The unit has been nowhere near as scary as I thought it would be.

“Staff have been so welcoming – they’ve clearly explained everything and have taken the time to speak to us about the plans going forward, whilst always keeping us informed.”

For 28-year-old Alisha Bahara, her baby’s arrival was equally as sudden when contractions started during a trip away to London.

She said: “I knew on the Sunday lunchtime I was having contractions, so I travelled back from London and was in hospital by 5pm. I had my son less than 24 hours after that.”

Her second son, Zorawar arrived on 3 November at 31 weeks – weighing 4 pounds and 6 ounces.

“It was that unexpected – so much so that it would have been the date of my baby shower yesterday (16 November). I’m just so pleased he’s healthy and doing well.

“The focus now is to help me establish breastfeeding with him. Staff have helped me to regain a sense of control when I was previously struggling to get him to latch on.

“I trust the team here completely – they make me feel at ease when I pop back home for an hour or two to tend to my toddler. Thanks to the nurses, consultants, support workers and more for being amazing every step of the way.”

Both families are looking forward to spending time at home with their babies in the coming weeks.

A selection of knitted blankets, hats and treats – all purple to match the campaign’s theme – have been given to families on the unit courtesy of an online appeal organised by the Trust’s Your RWTC charity.