Chloe Kirwan, a 34-year-old mother, recently shared her harrowing experience of unexpectedly giving birth to her baby, George, at just 28 weeks. This heart-wrenching journey began on January 31, 2022, when baby George entered the world weighing a mere 892 grams, less than a bag of sugar. George’s fragile condition necessitated his admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Great Western Hospital, where he fought for his life.
Chloe Kirwan candidly described her emotional turmoil during this trying period, saying, “It was the loneliest and most isolating experience I’ve ever had. Even though there were parents sat opposite going through the same thing, it just felt like no one else knew or understood what I was feeling.”
Chloe, along with her husband Nicholas, spent an arduous 10 weeks in the hospital, often from 9 am to 9 pm, by their baby’s side. Despite the traumatic neonatal experience, Chloe considers herself fortunate compared to others she met during her time at the hospital. She expressed her empathy for mothers who lacked the support system or faced financial constraints and limited mobility.
“After we were discharged, I couldn’t help but think about those families who had extra struggle in an already isolating time, who might have nobody there to talk to,” Chloe shared.
This profound empathy led Chloe to establish the Tiny But Mighty charity, with the aim of offering solace and assistance to parents of premature babies. The charity has since provided essential resources, including food for the parent pantry, care packs to support new mothers in self-care, and emergency maternity packs for unforeseen deliveries.
Chloe Kirwan emphasized the financial strain that often accompanies parenting a premature baby, noting, “Parenting a premature baby becomes financially stressful because you only get statutory maternity pay for six weeks. You also don’t have the capacity to look after yourself properly anyway or have any time to yourself.”
On the occasion of World Prematurity Day this year, Tiny But Mighty will host a special ball to raise awareness of the neonatal experience and gather funds for Great Western Hospital. Chloe hopes that the proceeds from the event will continue to provide assistance to future parents, ensuring they can access basic necessities, take breaks, and prioritize self-care. Chloe emphasized, “It’s important to know that self-care isn’t selfish.”
The Prematurity Ball is scheduled for Friday, November 17, at the Village Hotel in Swindon. The charity is actively seeking raffle prizes from local businesses to contribute to the event’s success. Tickets for the ball are priced at £55 each and will include a three-course meal, arrival drinks, and entertainment.
Chloe Kirwan concluded by expressing her deep gratitude to the Great Western Hospital’s ICU team, stating, “I will never be able to thank the Great Western enough because every single person who works on that ward kept my baby alive. It’s because of them that my baby came home.”
This heartfelt journey of resilience, empathy, and support showcases the power of one mother’s determination to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges. Chloe Kirwan’s Tiny But Mighty charity stands as a beacon of hope for parents of premature babies, providing them with the understanding and assistance they need during their difficult journeys.
