Despite experiencing a difficult pregnancy with her first child, Morgan Mairs was excited to welcome her new baby into the world.
The 24-year-old had struggled through a long labour with her son Oaklen, eventually needing an emergency C-section after complications with his size.
But when she discovered she was pregnant again in November 2023, the mum, from Wythenshawe, was overjoyed.
Morgan, Aspen, Oaklen and dad Callum
(Image: Morgan Mairs)
At her six-week appointment, Morgan was told her pregnancy would be classed as high-risk because of her previous birth.
The mum did her best to stay positive ahead of her July 2024 due date – but it was hard not to be worried.
And her fears were confirmed at her 20-week scan when Morgan was told the baby’s head was too low, meaning the doctors couldn’t get proper measurements.
Despite medics’ reassurance and a follow-up scan being scheduled, Morgan couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.
By the time she reached 25 weeks, her sense of unease had grown so strong she unsuccessfully tried to call her midwife for an earlier appointment.
But everything changed on April 17 when Morgan noticed heavy bleeding while using the bathroom.
The mum was rushed to Wythenshawe Hospital where her worst fears were realised – there was no amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.
Morgan was hooked up to an IV drip and given two injections to stop her going into labour early. She was then transferred to Saint Mary’s Hospital in Manchester where she remained under the close observation of medics.
On April 24, Morgan started feeling contractions – but claims there was confusion over whether she was in labour or not.
Two hours later, Morgan remained in agonising pain and couldn’t ignore the urge to push.
Before anyone knew it, she had given birth to her baby girl Aspen at just 26-weeks-old – weighing less than a bag of sugar.
Morgan in intensive care
(Image: Morgan Mairs)
Morgan said she didn’t have her family there to support her at the hospital.
“Then I didn’t get to see my baby or know if she was okay for around 10 mins as the neonatal nurses were stabilising her.
“I then got placed my girl into my arms and was told she was on a ventilator and she was going into NICU,” she said.
For the next week, Morgan in hospital while Aspen was placed on life support, struggling to breathe on her own.
Aspen was tiny
(Image: Morgan Mairs)
With doctors concerned about her white blood count cell, the tiny tot underwent two blood transfusions.
“Every day we would go and visit her with our little boy and there would always be some sort of bad news,” Morgan added.
Against all odds, Aspen started showing signs of progress. After several weeks, she was moved to the high dependency unit – bringing a glimmer of hope to the worried family.
As little Aspen slowly gained weight, Morgan was finally able to give her a bottle and she took to it immediately.
Aspen finally going home
(Image: Morgan Mairs)
But Aspen’s journey wasn’t over – she continued to struggle with her oxygen levels and doctors warned there could be setbacks.
As the family remained hopeful, Aspen continued to gain weight and grew stronger with every passing week.
Finally, after 72 long days, baby Aspen was allowed to go home on July 3. “At 11-weeks-old, we got to take our baby girl home, on oxygen, but we got to take her home finally,” Morgan said.
Aspen defied the odds
(Image: Morgan Mairs)
“72 days in hospital and she had done it after all the scares we had of her not making it.”
Morgan said the pressure of what she experienced was hard to cope with and she ended up splitting with Aspen’s father.
“I really, really struggled with all of this, and as a result, I am suffering from severe postnatal depression, and it did indeed break our relationship.
“But Aspen is now thriving, off the oxygen and a happy, bubbly little girl. She’s eight-months-old (five months corrected) and doing amazingly. We’re so proud of her every day.”
Aspen is now thriving
(Image: Morgan Mairs)
Aspen’s dad Callum is now holding a boxing exhibition match to raise money for the NICU ward at Wythenshawe Hospital which helped care for his daughter. To donate, follow the link by clicking here.
- feeling sad, low in mood or tearful much of the time
- feeling agitated or irritable towards your partner, baby or other children
- loss of interest in the world around you and no longer enjoying things that used to give you pleasure (like you “cannot be bothered”)
- lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
- trouble sleeping at night – you may be awake even when your baby is sleeping
- feeling very sleepy during the day
- problems concentrating and making decisions
- loss of appetite or overeating (comfort eating)
- negative thoughts such as feeling you are not a good enough mother, you are unable to look after your baby or your baby does not love you
- feelings of guilt, hopelessness and self-blame
- feeling anxious that something bad may happen to your baby
- problems bonding with your baby, no sense of enjoyment in being with them
Visit the NHS website for more information and advice.
In the post on the GoFundMe page, he said: “Without the help of the Nicu staff in Wythenshawe Hospital our baby girl would not be here today and thriving, they have 24 hour care over our babies.
“They often get overlooked as just “carers” but in reality they kept our baby safe, well and alive, they stood by us parents every step of the way until going home and even after when we took our baby home on oxygen. The funds will be used to help support hospitals with high professional equipment to support the babies.”
A spokesman for St Mary’s Hospital, which is part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are sorry to hear that Morgan felt let down by an element of the care we provided. We strive to provide the best possible experience for all our families and are always open to receiving feedback. We’re pleased to hear both Morgan and Aspen are healthy and doing well.”