Part of my role is assessing families that are newly referred to Rainbow Trust for support. During these meetings I discuss, in more detail, what we can offer and the sort of support that might benefit the family.
Today I met a Mum of a family that is new to Rainbow Trust. We talked about what her needs are and how I might be able to help through this difficult situation. It gave her a chance to find out what we are about and to ask any questions she might have after being thrown into this new unexpected world of life on a neonatal ward.
Aisha, this mum, has two young children at home, one with special needs. Both parents are struggling to manage their time between home and the hospital, trying to be there for all their children. Their baby, Ali, was born at 25 weeks gestation and had already had two surgeries before being transferred to Chelsea & Westminster, so is likely to be in hospital for a long time.
Aisha told me how saddened she feels not being able to care for her baby, and that she finds the sterile setting of NICU hard to be in. After just an hour together, having a chat and a coffee, she was really enthusiastic about the support we could offer her family, and so appreciative of someone making time for her.
