When Olivia and I discovered in May 2023 that we were expecting our first child, we were filled with excitement, hope, and all the typical dreams of new parenthood.
Little did we know that from the very beginning, this pregnancy would test our resilience, patience, and faith in ways we had never imagined. Early scans revealed that Olivia had a septate uterus and a predisposition to pre-eclampsia, setting the stage for a pregnancy that would carry significant risk. As time went on, more complications emerged: our baby was measuring smaller than average, had a possible heart defect (VSD), only two vessels instead of three in the umbilical cord, and Olivia had a shortened cervix. On top of that, our baby remained in a breech position until 30 weeks. Each discovery added layers of concern and uncertainty, and our excitement was tempered by the reality that this would be a high-risk pregnancy from its earliest stages.
By December 2023, the situation became urgent. Olivia was admitted to the hospital with high blood pressure and soon diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. At the time, I was working 12-hour shifts and driving daily from Kapiti to the hospital. The commute, combined with long hours and concern for Olivia and the baby, was exhausting. For Olivia, it was equally difficult not having me constantly by her side during such a critical period. Despite the stress and physical distance, we leaned on one another, clinging to hope and trusting the expertise of her medical team.
As the weeks progressed, the monitoring intensified. Daily blood tests and regular check-ups reminded us of the fragility of the situation. Both Olivia and I could sense that a C-section or induction was imminent. Our anticipation was mixed with fear and nervous energy, each day blurring into the next as we awaited the moment when our son would finally arrive.
That moment came on 9 January 2024. We were told that an emergency C-section was necessary for both Olivia and the baby’s safety. The hours that followed were a whirlwind of preparation, prayers, and anticipation. By 3:40 pm, our son Silas was born at just 31 weeks and six days, weighing only 1510 grams. The NICU team quickly took him to Wellington for specialized care, while Olivia remained in hospital recovering. The separation was difficult for both of us, as every parent longs to hold their newborn in those first moments, but we trusted the doctors to provide the care Silas needed to survive and thrive.
Silas’ early days in the NICU were a mixture of fragility and progress. He faced minor breathing issues and spent approximately a week on CPAP. He also required three days under blue light therapy for jaundice. Olivia, determined to provide the best nutrition possible, tried expressing breast milk, but with limited success. Silas was nourished with formula and donor milk, giving him the strength he needed to continue growing. One of the biggest challenges was his slow weight gain and the need for a feeding tube. Each gram gained was celebrated as a victory, each stable night as a triumph. Every milestone reminded us that survival in the early days is measured not in grand gestures but in small, meaningful victories.
Meanwhile, our daily lives revolved around the NICU. I continued to work initially, with leave originally planned around Silas’ due date in March, but the constant travel and emotional toll quickly became overwhelming. In February, I arranged with my managers to take extra time off, dedicating myself fully to supporting Olivia and being present for Silas. Those weeks in the NICU were exhausting, emotionally taxing, but also incredibly grounding. The nurses and fellow NICU families became an extended support system, offering encouragement, guidance, and reassurance. They shared their wisdom, and we learned that every baby follows their own timeline. Small victories, even a slight increase in weight or a successful feed, became reasons to celebrate and reminders of Silas’ strength.
As Silas progressed, we slowly began to see the fruits of patience and consistent care. He gained weight steadily, his strength improved, and he began to meet developmental milestones in his own time. Olivia stayed on parental leave until August, allowing her to focus on Silas’ recovery and growth. I returned to work in early April, feeling confident that our son had the support and stability he needed.
The first year was a journey of gradual, deliberate progress. Silas slowly caught up on growth charts for his corrected age, reminding us that while every milestone is significant, children progress in their own time. We learned to celebrate each moment, whether it was a small gain in weight, a tentative grasp of a finger, or a smile that brightened our day. Every accomplishment reinforced the idea that patience, love, and advocacy are critical components of raising a child who starts life in such delicate circumstances.
Today, Silas is a healthy, thriving little boy. He has caught up in both height and weight for his age and continues to grow in confidence, curiosity, and joy. Looking at him now, it’s easy to forget the fear and uncertainty of those early weeks, though we will always carry the lessons of that time in our hearts. Silas’ journey has taught us about resilience, about the extraordinary dedication of NICU staff, and about the power of unwavering parental love.
Reflecting on the past year, it’s clear that Silas’ story is one of perseverance, hope, and triumph over adversity. His early challenges—the high-risk pregnancy, premature birth, initial separation from his mother, breathing issues, feeding struggles, and slow weight gain—were significant obstacles. Yet through the combined efforts of skilled medical teams and the constant presence of his parents, Silas not only survived but thrived. His story demonstrates that with love, patience, and advocacy, even the most fragile beginnings can lead to a life of health, joy, and possibility.
Silas’ journey also serves as a reminder to all families navigating the NICU experience that no matter how daunting or overwhelming it may feel, progress comes in increments, and every small victory is worth celebrating. The first feed, the first stable night, the first time gaining weight or moving intentionally—these moments accumulate, building a foundation for growth and confidence that carries through the years.
Ultimately, Silas James Herd’s story is a testament to the resilience of life, the dedication of parents, and the transformative power of love and support. His journey reminds us that while early life may be filled with uncertainty and challenges, hope, advocacy, and patience can turn fragility into strength, fear into courage, and vulnerability into thriving. Every day, every laugh, every small milestone stands as proof of his remarkable journey and the extraordinary power of unwavering care.
Myles may have arrived earlier than expected, in fragile circumstances, but today he is living proof that the smallest, most vulnerable beginnings can blossom into a life full of health, joy, and endless potential.