Share your stories of giving or receiving support following premature birth with Tu at Sainsbury’s and Bliss this World Prematurity Day - £200 in vouchers to be won

[JustineBMumsnet]

From thousands of Mumsnet discussions, we know that giving birth prematurely can be a major event in parents’ lives, bringing with it a whole host of experiences and emotions that parents hadn’t necessarily planned for - and, of course, sometimes, some really difficult scenarios.

Around 8 in 100 babies are born prematurely according to the NHS - that’s one in 13. While lots of these are ‘planned’ premature births, others are unexpected. As Bliss, the UK’s leading charity for babies born premature or sick, points out, not all of these babies will need to be cared for in a neonatal unit; however, some will need specialist care or extra medical help, meaning that their early weeks can be very hard on their parents too.

Understandably, parents in this situation often need a lot of emotional and practical support, and it’s for this very reason that Tu at Sainsbury’s has today launched their first ever Premature Baby clothing line, in partnership with Bliss.

Tu’s Childrenswear Buying Manager, Melanie Fieldsend, says: “We’re really proud to be expanding our babywear offering to now include premature sizing, in the hope that we can help to support families in this small way through what can be a challenging and unexpected time.”

World Prematurity Day is on the 17th November and Tu would like to encourage you, our generous Mumsnet community, to share the little (or big) things that you found useful when giving or receiving support following premature birth - from sourcing baby clothes to helping with childcare for older children or perhaps being an emotional support when needed, and the things you wish you’d known. If your baby was born premature, what helped you the most during this time?

All who leave a comment in the thread below will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 Tu voucher as well as a £100 Sainsbury’s voucher.

If you’re currently pregnant or have recently had a baby born prematurely and would like to find out more about prematurity and the support available to you, get in touch with Bliss.

Thanks,

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

[saffysabir]

I think the thing that helped me the most was people being supportive of me, but not in a 'oh I pity you'. I felt everyone was helpful and though they were worried, they all gave great advice.

[salemaxo]

Nobody in my family had a premature baby before, so I had to look up advice online and some of it was great. I think I would have spent all that time crying if I didn't.

[alshareif]

I was so scared when I gave birth and all the clothes I had prepared clearly did not fit and were too big. I had to use micro nappies and someone even suggested doll nappies (which i find funny now lol).

[yellowgecko]

Was there ever a draw done for this thread @JustineBMumsnet ?

FWIW I had my 2nd premiere baby just before Christmas and was gifted some 5lb clothes from Sainsbury's. They were beautiful, happily she outgrew them pretty quickly

[zindeggeh]

When my sister in law gave birth to a premature baby, everyone was shocked. I can't say I remember what I used to tell her, but all I know is that my words of comfort helped somehow and reached her at her lowest points.

[YesIDoLoveCrisps]

I remember how much my husband supported me despite feeing the same way as me. He was by my side every minute he could be and did everything he could to help me and be positive. He literally held my hand, and even better fed me tea and biscuits.

[JustineBMumsnet]

Thanks all for sharing your stories on the thread. The original winner of the prize draw wasn't able to accept the prize, and the name out of the runner up hat is @Disabrie22

[sheepysheep]

I was told to leave Sainsbury’s in Darlington when I tried to breast feed my early baby on a sofa near the changing rooms in the deserted Tu / clothing section of the shop. The female shop assistant told me that breastfeeding was “disgusting”. I complained to JS at the time via email and was ignored.