TRIGGER WARNING

My name is Mary Smith, on august 23rd, 2023 I went into early labour after two weeks of complications. I was at home while my fiancée was working out of province and my three children were at my mothers for the night when I gave birth alone in the bathtub to our beautiful baby girl Rhiannon, all while on the phone with my mom and sister in law, she was born at 25 weeks and 6 days. She is now at the NICU in Ottawa, Ontario.

Our family is trying its hardest to adjust to a new schedule and lifestyle, we drive everyday to Ottawa to see our little girl and still are trying to gain a sense of normalcy for our other children, Aurora (7), DJ (3) and Grahame (2). Our lives were turned upside when this all happened and as hard as it is, we’re asking for help. Between gas, food, parking and medical supplies for at home when Rhiannon comes home to say we are overwhelmed is an understatement.

My fiancée has had to take sometime off work to be at the hospital as well as when he goes back he will be working less hours to insure we see Rhiannon everyday and be back for our other children.

The hospital would like us to rent a medical grade breast pump that is used for micro premies like her this is going to cost $100 a week for 10-15 weeks until she is able to come home which is a total of $1500.

We’re very lucky Rhiannon made it through, and that she seems to be doing well so far but the emotional toll it’s taken on this family is a hard one to overcome and her journey is far from over. The doctors estimate about 10 to 15 weeks before we can bring her home and that means lots of travelling to see her among other costs.

We’re very thankful for the Ambulance drivers who got to us so quickly, the Winchester Hospital for making sure they wouldn’t leave Rhiannon’s side, our friends and family for all the love and support they’ve given us in these uncertain times. Even if you can’t donate our family is asking that you share.