Every one of us has a story that shapes how we see the world. Mine begins with being born at 28 weeks, in a time when neonatal care was just emerging. I survived, but my twin brother, Nicholas, did not. That early experience shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand until I became a mum myself—of a premature baby, during a traumatic birth, navigating NICU life with fear, hope, and heartbreak woven together.
Now, I use my story—and my voice—to create change for two communities that are close to my heart: families impacted by premature birth, and families living with neurodiversity.
Why This Matters
When my daughter Amelia was born early, I was immediately transported back to my own story. I knew the stats. I knew the risks. But nothing can prepare you for that helpless feeling of watching your baby fight for life in an incubator. The experience was raw, isolating, and terrifying—and I realised too many parents were going through it without the right support.
At the same time, my journey as a neurodivergent person—with dyslexia, suspected ADHD and autism—had already taught me the challenges of navigating a world that doesn’t always accommodate difference. My husband also has dyspraxia and dyslexia. And as we parent Amelia, who is full of curiosity, energy, and perhaps a little bit of our neurodivergence too, I knew this mission had to be broader.
What I’m Doing to Help
1. Creating Safe Spaces for Parents
I launched The Good, The Bad, and Your Parenting Journey—a growing platform where parents can feel seen, supported, and not judged. It’s home to blogs, books, a podcast, and social media content that speaks directly to families of premature babies and neurodiverse children. This is about honesty, empathy, and helping others feel less alone.
2. Raising Awareness Through Storytelling
My writing shares the reality of parenting after NICU, the unseen impact of trauma, and what it means to raise a child while navigating your own neurodivergent identity. Through blogs and children’s books, I give voice to experiences that are often left out of mainstream narratives.
3. Advocating for Policy Change
I’m passionate about neonatal leave and extending maternity pay for families with babies in NICU. The emotional toll is heavy—but the financial burden can be just as devastating. No parent should face debt while fighting for their baby’s life.
4. Campaigns Like “Pumping for Preemies”
Breastfeeding and expressing milk are hard enough—but when your baby is in intensive care, it’s a whole new level. I’m working on resources, info sheets, and outreach to hospitals to better support expressing mums—especially when trauma and guilt make everything harder.
5. Connecting with Others Doing the Work
From collaborating with baby loss advocates like Leanne (who bravely shares her story of maternal sepsis and the loss of her daughter Enya), to speaking with clinical teams and charities, I know real change happens when we work together.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about helping one group or sharing one voice—it’s about creating a culture where neurodiverse families, and families with premature babies, are included, supported, and uplifted. It’s about rewriting the narrative and saying: You are not alone, and your story matters.
Whether you’re a parent, carer, teacher, nurse, or someone just trying to understand—your awareness, your words, and your actions can make a difference.
Let’s Do This Together
If you believe in building a world that embraces every child’s potential—whether they’re born early or think a little differently—please like, share, and subscribe to my blog.
Together, we grow.
References
• Bliss Charity – www.bliss.org.uk
• Sands – Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity – www.sands.org.uk
• Neurodiversity in Parenting – National Autistic Society – www.autism.org.uk
• Pumping for Preemies Campaign – Coming soon on The Good, The Bad, and Your Parenting Journey
How would you improve your community?
The bad and your parenting journey 