Katie was born in Australia and her family moved to New Zealand when she was a teenager.

Katie says that before their first pregnancy she and her husband, Neil, had no idea about preterm birth and so it came as a total shock when it happened them. Following several weeks of abdominal pain, Katie started leaking amniotic fluid at 31 weeks. Labour followed quickly with their daughter, Ila, being born at just 31 weeks and 3 days. Ila spent only 4 weeks in NICU, thriving from the get-go.

It then took some time for Katie and Neil to have another pregnancy get through the first 12 weeks, but once they did, they knew they would need some extra care and monitoring. They were seen by the Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists at Auckland Hospital and Katie was very closely monitored in the Preterm Birth Clinic. It became clear that a very early birth was likely and the team were able to prepare Katie to make sure baby had the best chance after birth.

Katie’s second daughter, Daisy, was born at 23 and 2 days weeks weighing only 545g. Daisy spent a total of 102 days in the NICU. Katie remembers the days, weeks and months of NICU care as a stressful time. In particular, not knowing who was looking after Daisy when they went home to sleep. Katie used her ‘pumping time’ to call the NICU every night to get an update on how Daisy was doing, especially as she progressed through many different treatments to overcome her breathing challenges. Thankfully, Daisy tolerated her feeds well and avoided infections. Katie says that the steroids made a really big difference for Daisy.

Growing up

Katie feels blessed on how well both their girls are doing now.  Physically, mentally and emotionally living their lives like any other girls growing up.

Katie shares what life looks like now with Ila who is 13 and Daisy who has turned 8

Katie's encouragement for whānau learning about preterm birth

As Katie reflects back on their journey of two preterm births, she encourages others to learn about preterm birth from the start of pregnancy, and to never be afraid to tell midwives and doctors about any concerns or symptoms. Finding a medical professional that you feel comfortable talking with and can trust makes that easier. Although it is important to learn about preterm birth, Katie also recommends that whānau don’t research ‘too much’ and to be conscious of feeling scared or anxious about what could go wrong, instead talk to your doctor or midwife about your concerns.

Katie shares amazing footage of a very small Daisy, what care was like for them in pregnancy and some words of wisdom on how to get support

Daisy's point of view

Not surprisingly Daisy doesn’t remember much about her very early start in life but she has seen photos of herself as a little baby, with “stuff” up her nose and “cords all around” her. These photos make her feel excited and happy to know all that “stuff” worked for her and now she needs nothing extra. Daisy doesn’t think being born preterm has affected her life in any way.

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Daisy shares that “Even if you’re born early, you can still have a good, healthy and full life”.

Daisy can ride a bike, run really fast, swim, write her name and do maths…she can do everything!

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An interview with Daisy, who is just like any other 8 year old

Katie and Daisy took part in the Australian Placental Transfusion Study (APTS) at the time of Daisy’s birth. This large international research trial found that by waiting 60 seconds after pēpi is born before clamping/tying the cord (pito) – known as deferred cord clamping - significantly improves the chance of very preterm pēpi surviving. You can learn more about deferred cord clamping and watch a brief video on Katie and Daisy’s involvement in APTS here.