'Our son was just 48-hours old when doctors said they were running out of options'

Laruen and Alex Kiley with their baby Theo
-Credit: (Image: Swansea Bay University Health Board)


Lauren and Alex Kiley were so excited to become parents for the first time. But their dream could so easily have turned into a nightmare.

Their baby boy Theo was born by elective c-section on June 21 this year. He was footling breech - when one or both feet are presenting first - so this was the safest option to welcome him into the world.

Immediately upon his delivery he started showing signs of difficulty breathing and was whisked away to neonatal intensive care. The couple from Swansea were left fearing the worst. Alex, aged 32, said: “Unfortunately, not long after being born our son was taken to the special care baby unit for additional breathing support."

READ MORE: What started off as an ear infection resulted in a terminal diagnosis

READ MORE: 'My son collapsed at a friend's house and never woke up again'

Doctors went on to diagnose severe PPHN, respiratory distress syndrome, and sepsis. When Lauren and Alex were made aware of how severe the situation was, they decided to give Theo his name. For the latest health and Covid news, sign up to our newsletter here

Alex, a primary school teacher, said: “After what was a stressful 48 hours, my wife and I were called and told the news no parent wants to hear. The consultants had worked tirelessly and unfortunately were running out of options and therefore there was a risk to life.

“We were preparing for the worst and discussing memory boxes with the nursing staff. It was only at this point we decided on the name for our son as we didn’t want him nameless providing he didn’t make it. We decided on ‘Theo’. His name is of Greek origin, meaning ‘Gift from God’ and ‘brave’. We felt this was very suitable given our circumstances.”

Lauren, Alex, baby theo and their oet dog
The family have settled in well at home following the hospital stay -Credit:Swansea Bay University Health Board

Theo's situation was so dire he was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital to receive ECMO, a highly specialist treatment which is only available in a few UK hospitals. He spent 11 days there before being transferred back to Singleton Hospital in Swansea.

Alex said: “It was a daunting prospect returning to where Theo was so seriously ill. However, we knew he was coming back to a place where he was already well known and was welcomed back with open arms by all the team.”

Theo’s condition continued to improve and he was moved out of intensive care. Alex added: “This was again a very daunting prospect for us as we were so used to him receiving one to one around the clock care. We asked to speak with a consultant in order to reassure us, and nothing was too much trouble.

“Dr Jayne Sage came and spoke with us that very evening, reassuring us and giving us every opportunity to ask questions. This was true of every consultant and doctor we dealt with the whole time we were in hospital.”

Theo
Baby Theo needed help breathing when he was born -Credit:Swansea Bay University Health Board

Then, on July 12, following 21 days in hospital, Theo was finally discharged home. Alex added: "With all the negativity surrounding Singleton Hospital recently, we feel it vitally important that our experience is shared. We cannot speak highly enough of the units and the teams of staff that fill them.

"These people are worth their weight in gold. They are the real heroes of society. There are no words that could possibly express our gratitude towards the remarkable staff at the hospital’s maternity and child health units.

“We hope our comments will reassure Swansea Bay University Health Board and, more importantly, future parents who have any doubts about choosing Singleton Hospital."

He continued: “Although a c-section wasn’t what we had planned, our baby who was footling breech, meant that there was no other option. Nevertheless, it was an amazing experience. From the midwives who looked after us prior to the procedure to the doctors, anaesthetists, consultants who carried out the procedure, the care we received was outstanding.

“Additionally, the care my wife Lauren received pre and post birth was outstanding.” Alex is now taking on a challenge to raise funds for the two hospitals that helped save his baby son's life. He will do a sponsored walk between Singleton Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London next year.

And he and Lauren, aged 30, want to “celebrate the staff who worked so diligently with the upmost care, love and respect” in order to save their little boy Theo. He said: “As a family will be forever grateful to the staff who played such a vital role in our journey.

"Nothing was ever too much trouble for any member of staff, be it consultants, doctors, nurses, midwives or auxiliary staff. Everyone was approachable and showed the upmost care, respect and sympathy towards us and our situation.

“They went above and beyond for Theo and provided him with extraordinary care. If it wasn’t for their expert knowledge, we firmly believe that our son could quite possibly not have survived. Please take comfort in knowing that you are all amazing human beings. The real heroes of society.”