In September 2024, we discovered that we were being blessed with our rainbow baby. It came as a complete surprise—after months of preparing to embark on the IVF journey, we had decided to wait until the New Year before starting the process. Instead, we found out we were expecting naturally, and the news was nothing short of miraculous…
From the beginning, my pregnancy came with its own set of challenges. I was admitted to the hospital several times for gallstones, which added an unexpected layer of stress to an already nerve-wracking experience. After much discussion with my midwife and obstetrician, we decided that the best course of action was to induce labor at 39+1 weeks. Although I was anxious, I felt reassured that we were taking the necessary steps for a safe delivery.
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, our son Malachi made his grand entrance into the world, weighing 2.82 kg. His birth, however, was nothing like we had imagined. He wasn’t breathing when he arrived, and there were no warning signs during my induction or labor that something was wrong. It felt like our world stopped in that moment.
Malachi was immediately taken to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) to await the Life Flight helicopter, which was to transport him to Wellington NICU. He required immediate cooling treatment, a procedure used to preserve brain function after a loss of oxygen. The next 72 hours were agonizing as they slowly warmed him back to his normal body temperature. During that time, Malachi had two seizures and required a second chest drain for a pneumothorax
The waiting and uncertainty were excruciating. We had no idea what the future held for our baby, and every hour felt like an eternity. The doctors ordered an MRI to determine the extent of any brain damage caused by the lack of oxygen at birth. The results showed that there were changes in the motor function part of the left side of his brain. While the doctors couldn’t definitively say what this meant, they did confirm that Malachi was now at low risk for developing a severe form of cerebral palsy. This news was both a relief and a reminder of the uncertainty that still loomed over us.
After 15 long days in the NICU, we were finally able to take Malachi home. Although our hearts were full of joy to be leaving the hospital, there was also a sense of unease as we began to adjust to life at home with a baby who had already faced so many challenges. We had to wait until Malachi was three months old for neurodevelopmental tests, and when those tests came back clear of any signs of cerebral palsy, we felt an immense weight lifted from our shoulders. Another test was scheduled for when he reached six months, and we continued monthly visits with the neurodevelopmental therapists until he turned one, with a follow-up MRI at 18 months.
Today, at five and a half months old, Malachi is a different baby from the one we first met in the NICU. He is thriving, hitting all of his milestones, and is the happiest little boy. His bright smile and infectious laugh remind us every day how far he has come, and we are filled with gratitude for the strength and resilience he has shown in such a short time.
Our journey with Malachi has been far from easy, but we are so incredibly grateful for the support we received from the NICU staff, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and The Little Miracles Trust. These organizations helped us navigate the overwhelming uncertainty of those early days and provided a lifeline when we needed it most. We couldn’t have done it without them.
When Malachi was in the NICU, we were fortunate to be able to stay at Ronald McDonald House. The comfort and support we received from the staff and the other families made a world of difference. Being able to stay so close to Malachi during his time in the NICU was invaluable. It gave us the peace of mind to be by his side whenever he needed us, while also allowing us to rest and recharge. The kindness and generosity of the Ronald McDonald House team will forever remain in our hearts.
For families like ours, the impact of these organizations cannot be overstated. They are more than just places to stay—they are a community that offers support, hope, and a safe space during some of the most challenging times of our lives. We are forever grateful for everything they did for our family and continue to advocate for their work to help other families who find themselves in similar situations.
Looking back on the past few months, it’s hard to believe how far Malachi has come. From the uncertainty of those first few days in the NICU to the joyful moments we now experience as a family, we are reminded every day of how precious life is and how much support truly matters. We will continue to give back to organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities and The Little Miracles Trust, in the hopes that other families will have the same support and care that we did during our journey.
Malachi’s story is just beginning, and we are so excited to see where his incredible journey takes him. Through it all, we know that our family’s love and the strength of our support system will guide us through any challenge that comes our way.
To anyone considering supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, we can’t recommend them enough. Their impact is immeasurable, and they make a world of difference in the lives of families when they need it most. 💙