Baby B

In early September 2012 Atlantic Hope was contacted by a social worker with an emergency. The little boy who we were about to receive had been dropped and fallen onto into tar. After this incident, he was abandoned. Upon arrival to Atlantic Hope, we took him to our supportive paediatrician for an examination. She reassured us that he had not sustained any injury from his fall and treated him for severe nappy rash. We were happy to hear from the doctor that he was doing just fine. Despite difficult beginnings, Baby B was a wonderfully friendly child. Through the police, his mom was able to trace her baby and a court case has been open in the local children’s court. Baby B has moved on to more permanent care waiting for a family member to be screened as a possible foster parent. We wish him well.

Baby R

Born prematurely and weighing a mere 887g at birth, baby R was resilient against the struggles she continued to face daily. Marilyn had kangaroo cared for baby R at the hospital before her arrival at the Atlantic Hope nursery. Newborns, especially premature infants, need the warmth of skin to skin contact to develop healthily. At the time of discharge, she weighed 1860g and was feeding on only 40ml of milk every 2 hours. Although her stay was short Baby R’s progress in gaining weight was significant and needed no medical attention while in our care. She is now in a more permanent home.

Baby J

Baby J was born on the 28th October 2012. She was placed with us on 5th November 2012 upon discharge from hospital. Her mother was seen by the hospital Social Worker but claimed she had no residential address or contactable telephone numbers. Shortly after this she left the hospital unannounced therefore abandoning her child. While at Atlantic Hope, Social Services placed an ad in a local newspaper asking anyone who can assist in locating the baby’s mother to come forward. It was shortly discovered that her mom was in hospital receiving treatment for a severe psychiatric ailment. Baby J was placed in foster care on the 13th December 2012 with a relation of her mothers. Atlantic Hope remains in contact with the foster parents who have provided a loving, stable home for Baby J allowing her mother to recover and for Social Services time to work towards family reunification. We are thankful for being able to love and nurture Baby J while she was in our care.