Layton's birth began with a rocky start at Port Augusta Hospital in South Australia. Born at 35 weeks + 1 day gestation and weighing 2,740 grams, Layton's arrival a month early brought both excitement and unexpected challenges for his new parents.
Mum Lucy had no inkling that she was in labour until her waters broke at home. Her son was born 24 hours later at 8pm on a Saturday night.
Lucy was unaware of the concerns there could be for Layton’s health due to his premature birth. And so, it took her by surprise when the nurses took him one way, and she got taken in another. It would be two days before Lucy and her partner could finally hold their son's little hand for the first time.
Layton was whisked away to the Special Care Nursery in a resuscitation cot donated by the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, where he remained for three days. During that time, the doctors needed to administer vital treatment. Fortunately, this was made possible due to a piece of equipment also donated by Humpty called an Astodia Diaphanoscope, which allows for quick and accurate placement of a cannula to administer fluids and medication.
Layton stayed in hospital for 12 days for monitoring. Lucy was discharged home after three days. Separated while Layton remained in the hospital alone, the experience was quite confronting for Lucy – but the nurses helped her to express colostrum (breast milk) so that every three hours, she could take it down for Layton's feeds and change his nappy, helping them to bond.
During this time, Lucy observed just how busy Port Augusta Hospital’s Special Care Nursery is, with beds always full. Port Augusta Hospital is the only level 4 Perinatal Service in regional South Australia. Every year, they get upward of 310 births.
Layton in crib at Port Augusta Hospital, SA
Over the years, Humpty has supported Port Augusta Hospital with 26 pieces of equipment valued at approximately $155,000, helping healthcare staff to deliver exceptional care to the broad, regional community they service.
And this care is felt by new parents like Lucy, who speaks highly of the midwives and nurses who made her experience manageable, saying, 'They were there for us!'
Layton’s birth story is a testament to the strength of human resilience and love. Despite facing unexpected challenges, Lucy and her partner persevered courageously with the assistance, compassion and expertise of the midwives and nurses. The experience has left them with a newfound appreciation for being a parent. It has also raised their attention to the generosity of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and its donors because, as Lucy said, 'Without the support of the resuscitaire and then the half-crib, it may have been a much longer and worrying experience for us.'
Lucy, her partner, and little Layton are now embarking on this new journey together after weathering the initial storm with the help of Port Augusta Hospital and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
(L) Layton and Family out of hospital (R) Baby Layton
By Sarah Moon