Tiny Lives

Alfie is born at 27 weeks after showing signs of distress in the womb. His lungs are not yet ready to breathe on their own and a ventilator is keeping him alive. The Unit's senior midwife is faced with added pressures as the pandemic impacts staffing in the unit. Born at 35 weeks, Harrison stops breathing soon after delivery and needs emergency resuscitation.

Baby Roman is born 6 weeks prematurely and is struggling to breathe on his own. First time mum Kirsty shares her experience of losing her baby Ava, at five days old and the support the unit offers for bereaved families. Ava's twin sister Ayla makes good progress with breathing and feeding. Born at just 24 weeks, baby Michael is at the limit where babies can be born prematurely and still do well.