How two Mater little miracles changed my life

How two Mater little miracles changed my life

Ben Turner is one very Proud Mater Dad. Life has given him new meaning since becoming a dad to his two Mater little miracles Ruby and Zoe, who were born prematurely at 28 weeks and 29 weeks respectively.

“Having two premature babies has made me appreciate every single day” explains Ben.

“The strength, courage, and determination showed each day by my girls, as they have fought their way through challenge after challenge, has taught me to appreciate the simple things in life, and has inspired me to become the best version of myself – for me and for them.”

Ben and his wife Rachael are all too familiar with Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit, with both of their daughters having spent their first weeks of life there – all in less than twelve months.

Their eldest daughter Ruby was due on 10 June 2017, however due to placental abruption and a spontaneous labour, she was born on 18 March 2017 (28 weeks gestation). At birth Ruby was only 35cm in length and weighed only 2.2 pounds (1030g). In her early days of life, Ruby’s weight dropped to less than 1 kg - with her lowest weight at 860g.

Her younger sister Zoe was expected to make her grand entrance to the world on 10 May 2018 but little Zoe simply couldn’t wait to meet her family – arriving on 25 February 2018 at 29 weeks gestation, coming in at 40cm and weighing only 2.7 pounds (1260g).

Ben loves being a hands on dad, and even though he masters the feeding, nappy changing and dressing routines most days, he admits that there were times when learning the ropes of fatherhood was quite daunting.

“Giving both my little girls their very first baths, and their first nappy changes is a moment that I’ll always treasure.”

“While it was such a special experience for me, I vividly remember feeling quite terrified both times because of how tiny and fragile they were.”

After a challenging start to life, both girls are at home now, taking each day in their stride.

“After a long day at work, there’s nothing better than coming home to see Rachael and my girls smiling and giggling away.”

‘The day I was able to have both my girls at home from hospital meant everything to me as we could finally start our lives altogether as a family”

“I love embracing everyday life with them and treasure the moments where I teach the girls new things, where we play together, when we snuggle up during story time and when I sing to them each night.”

“Hearing Ruby say “Dada” for the first time has been one of the best moments of my life so far”.

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For urgent assessment at any stage of your pregnancy, please present to your nearest emergency centre or Mater Mothers’ 24/7 Pregnancy Assessment Centre in South Brisbane.

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