Baby Rahim in a stripey one piece holding a plush dog.

Incredible care inspired mum Annick to become a nurse

Annick was inspired to train as a nurse after receiving incredible care from the amazing Evelina London team during the 3 months her baby was in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Tiny Rahim was born at Evelina London

When baby Rahim arrived prematurely by emergency caesarean section, he weighed just under 2 pounds. One of his fragile lungs was punctured, and he had an infection and club foot, so he was rushed to the neonatal unit at Evelina London for specialist care.

It was a scary and distressing time for mum Annick. Having been through three miscarriages, she was terrified of losing her baby. “I didn’t know if he would survive,” she says. “But the team told me he would and explained what was happening.” Their comforting words gave Annick hope. But she needed practical and emotional support to cope with having a sick baby.

Annick received compassionate care

Over the next few weeks, the neonatal team’s trailblazing care wasn’t just focused on Rahim, but on Annick too. The dedicated staff taught her how to look after her newborn son and get involved in decisions about his care. This is known as family integrated care – a special package of support for new parents that’s since received charity funding to help more families benefit from it.

As baby Rahim grew bigger and stronger, Annick’s confidence as a mother grew too. Fuelled by the remarkable care, she felt empowered and able to speak up on his behalf.

"The matrons and doctors were so supportive and encouraged me, educating me as a parent. They made me feel comfortable and reassured."

Annick, Rahim’s mum

The neonatal unit became a home from home

Experiencing the wonderful warmth of Evelina London at this worrying time made Annick feel safe and secure. In the calming sanctuary of the family areas on the neonatal unit, she could relax, recharge and bond with other mothers going through similar experiences.

As the time approached for Rahim to go home, Annick began to feel anxious because she didn’t have a strong support network. But thanks to Evelina London, Annick had the knowledge and confidence to look after her baby boy. “I remembered what I was taught and kept up the routine from the neonatal unit at home,” she says.

Rahim is now a happy six-year-old and doing really well. As he grew up, he was diagnosed with autism, and Annick feels well-equipped to help him as he grows up. “I will always have his back and be there to support him,” she says. “He is a fighter.”

Inspired by incredible care, Annick decided to pursue a career in nursing

As well as boosting her confidence as a parent, the dedicated Evelina London team have inspired Annick to care for others. Today, she’s a nurse, something she wouldn’t have considered before. “I was never an academic person and didn’t see myself achieving anything, but my experience at Evelina London was motivating as I knew I was doing things right,” she says.

Annick is passionate about providing the same remarkable care that has made such a difference for her family. “The support I had has helped me way beyond that 3-month experience,” she says. “I am so grateful.”

"When I told the neonatal staff I wanted to become a nurse, they were so supportive. They said I’d done so well. They used to joke that when I was there they didn’t need to worry."

Annick, Rahim’s mum

Together, we can make an amazing difference for people like Annick

Annick’s experience of family integrated care has helped her achieve so much, and thanks to our superstar supporters, we’ve introduced this empowering model of care across the neonatal unit, ensuring every family that needs it can benefit.

We’ve also funded a fantastic project to create more homely spaces for parents with babies in intensive care. As well as redesigning family areas, we’ve introduced comfy new furniture, better lighting and a calming colour scheme so there’s a more relaxing atmosphere throughout the neonatal unit.

With your incredible support, we can help more families have the best possible start to their lives together.

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