After 207 days, five wards and nearly 500 healthcare staff, baby Harland is finally heading home.
His parents, Alicia and Will, are overjoyed.
“I feel like I’ve been holding my breath for so long and I can finally exhale,” Alicia said.
“As a soccer player, I describe the journey as the goal posts keep moving, and now I’ve got a clear shot.”
Harland was born at 32 weeks gestation, weighing 618 grams and being the size of a 24-weeker.
He was diagnosed with severe neonatal lung disease, which put a strain on his heart and lungs.
“My placenta was less than half the size it should have been,” Alicia said.
“It was so scary having such a high-risk pregnancy, but I just knew deep down that he was strong. I knew he was a fighter, that he wanted to be here, and he’s proven that.”
The past seven months have been filled with highs and lows for Harland’s family, with the bub being admitted to NICU, Special Care Nursery, Children’s Critical Care and the Paediatric wards.
But the day they've constantly thought about has finally come, with Harland giving his final cuddles to all the incredible staff before he is introduced to the world outside Gold Coast University Hospital.
“It’s been an absolute honour to see how far they’ve all come and watch Harland go home,” Neonatal Discharge Coordinator, Helen, said.
“There was a time we didn’t know if he would make it home, so it’s really special to be here now.”
Harland will be on home oxygen for the next 12 months and have regular check-ups at GCUH, but it’s a small price to pay for his parents.
“I’m just so excited for us all to be under the same roof,” Alicia said.
“It’s the little things I’m looking forward to: introducing him to our dog, family cuddles on the couch.”
Harland was farewelled with many of his care team creating a Guard of Honour and cheering him out the doors.
“Thank you so much to everyone at Gold Coast Health for everything,” Alicia smiled.
“There are so many team members who have become like family to us, held us up and been our village.
We’re all happy and well because of that, so I’m incredibly grateful.”
