Matthew (Matty) was due 13th June 2026. On the 31st May 2026, I felt unwell at home and had noticed Matty was not moving as strongly as he normally would…
I went into the hospital for CGT monitoring, during which Matty’s heart trace was lost/dipped several times. At this point it was decided that I would go to theatre for a c-section.
When Matty was delivered and he let out a huge cry, we thought all was well. Several minutes passed and he did not come round to us. I could hear oxygen being mentioned and special care. My husband was then taken round to see him before Matty was quickly wheeled past me and through to the high dependency unit of SCBU. It became apparent Matty had a bad infection, possibly sepsis, and a condition called transient tachypnea leading to low oxygen levels and difficulty breathing.
Whilst in HDU Matty also underwent the installation of an umbilical venous catheter (UVC) as he could not be cannulated, after many failed attempts, and he needed fluids and antibiotics quickly. The UVC allowed these to be passed through his umbilical cord and into his bloodstream. He was also put on CPAP with a high percentage of oxygen, to ensure he was getting enough oxygen around his body and to give him time to clear his lungs and eventually breathe for himself.
Matty also had a NG tube installed. Whilst Matty was having his treatments started, I was still in theatre and then recovering on labour ward.
Due to the kind donation of TeamEvie Special Care Parent bags, a Cuski miniboo was brought to my room and the matching one was with Matty in special care. After a period of time these were swapped for us and allowed us to feel close and have each other’s scent. This allowed me to feel close and connected to my sick child when I physically could not be there.
Matty spent several days in HDU before being moved down to SCBU and eventually ward care and home a week later.
Trying to pump breast milk for Matty to be given in SCBU was made a lot easier even by the simplest of things, the TeamEvie water bottle that was provided in the parent bag and also the bag itself which allowed me to transport things easily between my room on the ward and SCBU, as Matty was not expected to come when he did it or be unwell, the TeamEvie parent bag provided things we would never have thought to have needed and it was and still is greatly appreciated.
Matty is now enjoying life at home with his big brother Billy.
Thank you team Evie for supporting families like ours in their darkest of days.
