13 November 2026
A Staffordshire family has shared their appreciation for the specialist care and support received following the birth of twin latest additions, as the NHS marks World Prematurity Day 2026.
Observed annually on 15 November, World Prematurity Day raises awareness of premature birth, its impact on babies and families, and the specialist care available to support them.
Twins Maddison Grace and Mason were born at Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital on 17 October at just 31 weeks’ gestation, arriving several weeks before their expected due date of 19 December.
Weighing 3lb 5oz and 3lb 15oz respectively, the babies have since been receiving specialist care from The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s Neonatal Team.
Their mum, Kayleigh Whyles, 31, from Rugeley, experienced a stillbirth last year and faced considerable anxiety throughout her pregnancy. Maddison Grace and Mason are Kayleigh’s sixth and seventh children.
She said: “I knew I wanted to be under the care of New Cross Hospital throughout my twin pregnancy. I had heard about the great care and support, especially for twin pregnancies, and I wanted the best possible care for my babies and regular monitoring.”
During routine monitoring, changes in the babies’ heart rates were identified. Following a significant drop in both rates, Kayleigh was admitted to hospital, where she received daily monitoring and specialist care before delivering the twins via caesarean section.
She has been based at New Cross Hospital for almost a month and is grateful that she has been able to stay close to her babies.
She added: “I can’t thank the hospital staff enough; they have been so accommodating and really helped ease my anxiety. The Midwives and Neonatal Psychologist have been excellent in supporting me.
“Given my past experiences, I needed that reassurance and I had lots of questions. Everything has been explained clearly to me every step of the way, which I have really appreciated.
“The twins are thriving but are still being tube-fed and receiving oxygen.”
Kayleigh is now looking forward to taking Maddison Grace and Mason home and having all seven of her children together.