A Beacon of Hope for Premature Babies and Their Families

“Premature babies are tiny miracles full of hope.” This is the heartfelt reflection of Raspberry’s mother after her journey through crisis and healing.

Fourteen months ago, what should have been a joyful time of anticipation took an unexpected turn. At just 25 weeks pregnant, Raspberry’s mother was rushed to the hospital due to sudden bleeding. Her daughter was born weighing only 516 grams and showed no signs of breathing at birth. After emergency resuscitation, the baby was placed in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), but her condition remained critical. The mother was instantly plunged into fear, helplessness, and anxiety.

In the weeks that followed, the family faced a whirlwind of medical challenges: Brain Hemorrhage, Cardiovascular Disease, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Gastrointestinal (GI) Motility Disorders, and Retinopathy of Prematurity. Every medical decision was heavy and urgent. Meanwhile, Raspberry’s mother, physically and emotionally exhausted, struggled to keep expressing breast milk to support her fragile daughter, while coping with unprecedented stress and moments of deep despair.

None of their friends had faced anything similar; even general social workers or counselors couldn’t fully grasp the urgency and emotions she was dealing with. During an online search, Raspberry’s mother found the Heep Hong Society’s “Get Ready for Preterm Babies – Preterm Babies & Parents Support Project,” funded by The Community Chest. She left her contact information, and a social worker reached out to her shortly after.

Through this programme, Raspberry’s mother was connected with a parent supporting group, experience-sharing sessions, professional talks, and emotional counseling. She received timely and heartfelt support. “One night, when the hospital told us the baby’s condition had worsened, social worker Ms Chan from the programme encouraged me and gave me support. I felt genuine care and warmth.”

As the baby was hospitalized for ten months, Raspberry’s mother got to know a group of fellow parents. They exchanged experiences and supported each other. With professional guidance from social workers, she gradually learned the caring skills needed to deal with challenges faced by preterm babies, regaining confidence in taking care of her child.

Today, although her baby still requires ongoing medical care and treatment, the family has emerged from the shadows, discovering the resilience and hope of life. “Friends and family commend our strength. Honestly, we were lifted by this programme. Without it, we might not have made it through.”

The Community Chest remains committed to supporting families in need. By funding targeted community support initiatives like the “Get Ready for Preterm Babies – Preterm Babies & Parents Support Project,” it helps families facing extraordinary challenges to find hope in difficult times.