Mother of premature baby recounts 'isolating experience'

Those are the words of Chloe Kirwan, who unexpectedly gave birth to her baby at just 28 weeks.

Little George weighed just 892 grams when he was born on January 31, 2022, and was left in ICU at Great Western Hospital fighting for his life.

“Even though there were parents sat opposite going through the same thing, it just felt like no one else knew or understood what I was feeling,” the 34-year-old explained.

Chloe Kirwan spent 10 weeks in Swindon's Great Western Hospital after tiny George was born. (Image: Chloe Kirwan)

Chloe and her husband Nicholas spent every day in hospital for 10 weeks, often from 9am to 9pm.

But although her neonatal experience was traumatic, the Swindon mother says she was one of the lucky ones.

“We met families who were not in a privileged situation like us. Mums who had no support around them or who were unable to pop to the shops due to financial worries and limited mobility.

“After we were discharged, I couldn’t help but think about those families who had extra struggle in an already isolating time, who might have nobody there to talk to.”

George Kirwan is now a happy and healthy one year old. (Image: Chloe Kirwan)

That was how Tiny But Mighty was born, a charity launched by Chloe to help parents of premature babies know they’re not alone.

So far, the charity has provided food to the parent pantry, care packs to help new mothers look after themselves, and emergency maternity packs for unexpected deliveries.

"Parenting a premature baby becomes financially stressful because you only get statutory maternity pay for six weeks.

"You also don't have the capacity to look after yourself properly anyway or have any time to yourself,” Chloe explained.

Chloe is now raising money to give back to Swindon's ICU that saved George's life. (Image: Chloe Kirwan)

This year, for World Prematurity Day, Tiny But Mighty will be hosting a ball to celebrate and raise awareness of the neonatal experience, all while raising money for Great Western Hospital.

“The funds raised will continue to help future parents ensure they can eat, have a break and look after themselves. It’s important to know that self-care isn’t selfish,” said Chloe.

The prematurity ball will take place on Friday, November 17, at Village Hotel in Swindon, and the charity is still searching for raffle prizes from local businesses to make the night a success.

Tickets are £55 each, and will include a three-course meal, arrival drinks and entertainment.

"I will never be able to thank the Great Western enough because every single person who works on that ward kept my baby alive," she added.

“It’s because of them that my baby came home.”