Each month we feature one of our members’ special premature babies so we can learn more about their amazing journey through NICU. This month we would like to introduce;

Hunter and his mother Racheal

Where was Hunter born? Hunter was born at the Royal Womens in Melbourne, but was transferred when he was 1 week old to the Northern over at Epping

What was his gestation/how early was your premature baby? He was 35 weeks and 2 days

And his birth weight? He was 1705 grams (3lb 12oz). He is now almost 2 and is a small 8.5kgs

What do you remember most about your NICU journey? Our first cuddle – he was 2 days old and I was shaking as he looked so tiny and fragile. Holding his tiny hand through the isolette window. The day he graduated into a open cot. His first bath. The struggle with feeding, the expressing, finally being tube free and best of all, finally walking out the door with my baby

What might the NICU staff remember about you? Ummm… That’s a tough one!!!! That I came back for a second LOL. Probably the determination we had with feeding – I wanted to breastfeed but Hunter had other ideas.

What has been your proudest moment since Hunter came home? There have been heaps: Hunter crawling, walking, running, saying mummy. The compassion he shows when giving cuddles to his Daddy, his little brother Deegan and me

What is your top tip for other mothers of premature babies? Don’t be scared to ask for help! Accept offers of help and take heaps of photos as they grow up so fast. Cherish every moment, write a diary – I never did and wish I had with both boys. If your hospital offers professional photos get them done, take their foot and hand prints, have a teddy or something for comparison photos.