Working in NICU has changed my perception on certain things in life. Training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology - we sometimes take for granted the long term consequences of some of the babies born, because we simply don't see them long enough to know what happens to them. Not unless you get slapped with a lawsuit several years down the road, that's when you realised something happened to that baby. Otherwise, most times, we assume that everyone's happy after the birth of a baby.
But being in NICU is a different story. You see the smallest, sickest babies around. You sometimes wonder, is it worth continuing all these aggressive treatment? Is he / she going to have a good quality of life in the future? Will he / she live to see another day?
But being there, you foster relationships with some of your long term babies. You get close to their parents, whether you realise it or not. And seeing their little baby finally go home, after not having given up on a tremendously difficult battle, is one of the most amazing feelings ever!
This is a fine example of one of my personal stories.
Tatum & Paul
Tatum and Paul Mitchell's wedding day tinged with sadness
Paul Mitchell with his son Tobey before marrying Tatum. Picture: Fiona Hamilton Source: Herald Sun
Tatum Mitchell was hoping to have Tobey at her wedding. Picture: Fiona Hamilton Source: Herald Sun
IT was a painfully poignant moment when this young Victorian couple had to tie the knot without their sick son.
One of the biggest days of Tatum and Paul Mitchell's lives was filled with a touch of sadness because they were unable to share it with their two beautiful boys.Their first born, Zachary, passed away when he was just 12 days old.
Second son Tobey, who has not left hospital since he was born premature last May, also was unable to witness the wedding ceremony.
The little boy has tracheobronchomalacia, or floppy airways, and his parents were worried that his weak immune system would put him at risk of picking up an infection.
But nothing could stop them doing everything in their power to make their precious baby boy part of their special day.
The pair made separate visits to the 13-month-old baby's bedside at Monash Children's Newborn Services yesterday morning to ensure that they kept to the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride in her wedding gown.
Tobey was dressed in a pint-sized tuxedo.
Hidden beneath his suit, was a pair of Hawthorn footy socks, courtesy of the husband-to-be.
When the bride walked down the hospital aisle, it was one of the first things she noticed.
"I packed his Essendon socks," she exclaimed.
The couple took turns holding their little boy close to their chests.
"I can't believe it, we are getting married and he's not going to be there," Mrs Mitchell said.
"He's our little boy and he should be there, but he can't be, so we'll bring the wedding to him."
A necklace featuring two butterflies was hung around her neck to symbolise the presence of her two beautiful sons.
"Zachary is watching over Tobey, and Tatum has them with her on her special day," her mother, Charmaine Michael said.
Even Tobey joined in on the action, clapping his hands.
In a bittersweet twist, Tobey will finally be discharged from hospital this week.
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Tatum gave me the news, alongside a big hug the other day. I was ecstatic for her! Finally tying the knot after such a trying time...
And seeing her so happy, so elegantly beautiful in her wedding dress, just confirmed my affirmations that they are indeed, beautiful both on the outside, and inside. It's like... Cinderella's dream is finally going to come true.
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