Angle RNLI locates missing person in early morning search – The Pembrokeshire Herald

PREGNANCY is often a challenging experience, but for Ellie Davies, from Milford Haven, things became even more stressful when she had to navigate a 140-mile round trip away from home during labor.

Ellie was initially admitted to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen with pre-eclampsia, a condition that causes dangerously high blood pressure. However, as there were not enough neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) beds available, staff arranged for her to be transferred to Singleton Hospital in Swansea, almost 30 miles away. Fortunately, accommodation was also provided on site for her fiancé Craig Butland.

Complications of kidney failure
Ellie explained: “I had pre-eclampsia and was taken to Glangwili. My blood pressure fluctuated and fell and they had to ring the bells of hospitals with a NICU to see if they had any free beds – Singleton was the only one who had space.”

On November 12, Ellie was transferred to Swansea where she remained in the maternity ward. However, her condition worsened. “On Sunday the 17th, my kidneys were affected by pre-eclampsia and I went into kidney failure,” she said.

In the early hours of Monday, November 18, Ellie underwent an emergency C-section and gave birth to triplets Mia, Isla and Elsie two months early.

SHORT FIRST MEETING
“I only met Isla, the middle triplet, for about two minutes before she was taken to the neonatal unit to be with her sisters,” Ellie shared.

Mia was born weighing 90 grams, Isla weighed 900 grams and Elsie weighed 900 grams. All three girls initially required breathing support and spent nine days in the neonatal intensive care unit. Now weighing over three pounds each, they are being treated at the Glangwili specialist ward and are reportedly doing “really well”.

SUPPORT FROM NHS STAFF
Reflecting on her experience, Ellie praised the hospital staff: “The midwives Louise and Emily were amazing, answering every question we had and supporting us with everything. Dr. Sree Nittur, who was present during the delivery, took care of the post-natal care on a daily basis. The neonatal nurses were absolutely fantastic and we can’t thank them enough for their care and commitment.”

A PLACE TO STAY OVERNIGHT
For Craig, the availability of accommodation at Cwtsh Clos, a row of five houses on the Singleton Hospital site, was a huge relief. Without her he would have had to commute between Milford Haven and Swansea every day.

“Craig spent a week in Cwtsh Clos and I joined him for the last night,” said Ellie. “It was a big help having Craig so close. It’s a problem you don’t have to think about and it gives you space to collect your thoughts.”

The couple are now supporting Swansea Bay Health Charity's Cwtsh Clos appeal, which aims to raise £160,000 to renovate homes for future families in similar situations.

“Triplets are a rarity”
Lisa Harris, interim matron for newborn services, said: “We are pleased the girls are doing well. Cwtsh Clos allows parents to stay close to their babies, which is so important at such critical times.”

Kate Burke, a consultant in the NICU, added: “Triplets are a rarity for us. We serve families across South Central and South West Wales and are often the unit they turn to when pregnancies are more complicated. It’s wonderful to see families like Ellie and Craig’s return home with their babies healthy and thriving.”

The family recently celebrated their first Christmas together with Mia, Isla and Elsie and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported them on their journey.

Support the Cwtsh Clos Appeal: Donations can be made via the Swansea Bay Health Charity website.

(Image: Swansea Bay University Health Authority)

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