Three months before her due date, Hope surprises Mummy and Daddy during the pandemic

Hope. A name so perfect and fitting for a brave little girl. She is so tiny, fragile and delicate that mummy and daddy couldn't even hold, touch their daughter until the nurses gave the all-clear- for these young parents, it took six days after her delivery weighing just 2.2lb when she made her surprise arrival. Here's Hope's story- spreading her positivity and beauty every single day.

One in thirteen babies is born preterm in the UK which means the little ones need a little longer in hospital, a helping hand from the doctors and they even get their very own incubator to build strength before they are able to go home. New parents Katie-jo and Micheal Yelland, 20 thought they had a good surprise by keeping the baby bump a secret but all along twenty-six week, premature Hope definitely won by arriving three months before her due date. Needless to say, she gave mummy and daddy a shock to the system.

It was only a few weeks ago when I wrote about giving birth in the pandemic and the 'couple keeping their pregnancy a surprise' was this strong and inspirational pair. They told me how worried they were about bringing their newborn baby into the world during the crisis. On Monday 6th April their daughter was welcomed by mummy and daddy under the severe circumstances (being three months early) which meant they both were allowed together despite the birthing restrictions put in place because of COVID-19- mothers being alone at birth which was, in fact, their main concern.

"We are taking minute by minute, hour by hour and if she can't fight anymore we know she tried for Mummy and Daddy and that's ok."

It has now been two weeks and she has been back and forth between Truros Tresliske hospital where she was delivered and then transferred to Derriford hospital where they were able and confident to give the premature baby the best care and support possible. They gave Hope a nice warm, cosy home (her heated incubator) and the new parents a family room so they could be close to their daughter.

This was the announcement they shared with their Facebook friends:

In movies, you see the moment where parents get to hold their newborn baby as soon as they take their first breath- a moment so fulfilling and moving but COVID-19 took that away as it is high-risk and life-threatening for a baby- especially for twenty-six week old Hope.

Nurses scheduled times for the proud couple alternating between them both for when they were allowed to see, but not touch their daughter Hope.

A meaningful name so fitting for this beautiful baby bringing so much joy and strength to the family and friends around her.

Six days on, Katie-Jo Yelland was allowed her first cuddle, she sang 'You are my sunshine' and spoke to her for hours, taking in the moment that will last a lifetime. The next day new dad, Micheal Yelland had his first cuddle with his beautiful baby girl.

As a close friend to the couple, my heart bursts with pride for this wonderful family. They are keeping their own and everyone's spirits high in a time where most people (understandably) would crumble at the uncertainty. Even though nobody else can meet Hope in her temporary home, they share the golden moments they get with her via message. Our messages and wishes reach her little ears through mum and dad's voice when they finally get to hold her again.

This family was just one out of the sixty-thousand families who have experienced premature birth in the UK and the rarity of a twenty-six weeks old. A time where the unborn child is still developing and most-likely causing their mothers discomfort by flipping inside the bump- not causing contractions little miss Hope!

She has returned to their local maternity department in Royal Cornwall Hospital where the nurses are going 'above and beyond' for the family, sending them daily photos of Hope accompanied with a note. Before they left the maternity ward at Derriford, the nurses gave them printed moments of their little girl for when they weren't there.

If the NHS didn't already have enough appreciation right now, the maternity wards need the recognition for the work they are doing by guarding the newborns against the virus with their life.

Despite Katie-jo and Micheal standing strong and holding Hope's small hands every step of the way, I think they really need the appreciation of just how incredible they are as individuals, a couple and especially as the trio. Let's send all of our love and support to the invincible family by sharing their important story and send our positive energy to Hope who keeps getting stronger and more beautiful every day.

Today, she has opened her eyes. The first time that she's ever seen her mummy and daddy.

#SpreadHope #SupportHope

Stay smiling,

Z