Doncaster baby fighting fit after being born three months premature

The family of a baby born three months premature and weighing just 3lbs are raising cash for the nursing staff who supported them.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Jan 2016, 10:46 BST
Updated 11th Jan 2016, 12:19 BST

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First-time mum Courtney Newton and tiny baby Scarlett are both fighting fit at Doncaster Royal Infirmary after the shock birth at just 29 weeks.

Friends and family have rallied round to raise cash for the Neonatal Unit after being so impressed by staff on the ward after Scarlett was born on November 28.

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And just weeks after launching the fundraising campaign, the family have already raised £870.

Courtney’s grandmother Sharon Newton and her partner Rob Castle set up a Facebook auction site and contacted local businesses in Woodlands to donate items in a bid to raise the cash.

Proud grandmother Sharon, who lives with 17-year-old Courtney in Lake Road, Woodlands, said: “We are all so thankful it is a happy ending, it could have been a very different story.

“We were so worried because of how early she was born but luckily Scarlett didn’t have any trouble breathing and seems to be really healthy.

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“They are keeping them both in until around the time of the due date on February 14 but they are both doing so well.

“Scarlett is absolutely beautiful and Courtney has just taken to being a mum so well.

“The staff have been amazing, they are all so friendly and helpful.”

The family say staff at Doncaster’s Neonatal Unit believe the early labour was caused by bacterial infection, group B streptococcal.

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Speaking about the shock delivery, Sharon said: “It was panic stations and we rushed to DRI. We thought it might be a false alarm but as soon as they examined her they said she was four centimetres dilated and was having the baby today.

“Courtney was really upset and worried but she went in for an emergency C-section and Scarlett arrived, we couldn’t believe it.”

Michelle Clark, senior sister of the neonatal unit at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, said: “We want to thank the family for their kind words of appreciation and for raising funds for the unit. Having a premature baby can be very challenging and we make sure that the parents and the wider family are fully supported throughout.”

The Neonatal Unit at DRI provides care for newborn infants of 27 weeks’ gestation and above who require intensive, high-dependency and special care.

To dontate visit Sharon’s bidding site

Related topics:DoncasterDoncaster Royal Infirmary