Prem Aware for Prem

Our little bundle of joy Prem was born in November 2017, 10 weeks before his due date, at Leicester General Hospital. A huge surprise and worry for my husband Adarsh and I, there were no signs of any complications through the pregnancy and the hospital called it a rare ‘spontaneous birth’. Prem was moved to Leicester Royal Infirmary within a few hours by the hospital transport team as he needed specialist care that he would receive at the High Dependency Neonatal Unit.

Warrior from the beginning

Tiny Prem, at just 1.36kg (3lb), was due to spend 10 weeks in hospital but being the little warrior that he is, we managed to take him home at five weeks just in time for Christmas. Prem spent his time in Leicester Royal Infirmary until he was ready to be moved into a special care unit at Leicester General.

I don’t think anyone can ever imagine the rollercoaster of emotions, the happiness of seeing your precious baby but in the same moment feeling the anxiety and worries while you sit there next to the beeping machines and all of the wires attached to his body. Bringing Prem home was one of the best days. Adjusting to being home, away from the safety blanket of the doctors, nurses and machines was daunting – we had to try and find a new normal.

Prem progressed as expected and was under the care of his consultant, with regular appointments at the hospital, he was discharged just before his second birthday.

Learning for everyone

In 2024, I came across the ‘Supporting premature children at school’ seminar video through The Smallest Things Facebook page. I was so surprised to see that the research and findings mirrored Prem’s progress. It was the first time that I was able to make a connection and it was so reassuring and eye opening. I spoke to the Head of Pre Prep and Early Years Lead at Prem’s school, sharing the video and some other specific reports, they were both really impressed with the research and strategies.

I am so pleased that the school will be looking to achieve the Prem Aware Award to support children born prematurely. The training will make a huge difference to the children and their learning experiences. It will help the teachers by creating awareness and helping them to understand if there are any additional requirements so that interventions can be introduced, if and when needed.

Fun, friends and fundraising

Prem is now a happy, healthy seven-year-old who loves school and especially spending time with his friends, who he has formed wonderful relationships with. He loves swimming, Lego building and gymnastics.

Prem has an understanding of the special care that he received as a newborn and raised money for Leicester Hospitals neonatal units in 2024.

As parents, we feel there is so much we can take from the research and it has also given us the reassurance that the instinctive choices we have made for Prem have been beneficial for nurturing his wellbeing. With the continued support, he will flourish.

Thanks to Komal for sharing Prem’s story.