Life-Threatening Complications After Baby Shower
Helen Bennett, 29, from Bromborough, was rushed to hospital on the day of her own baby shower in November 2025 after struggling to breathe. Despite initially feeling she was overreacting, she called 999 and was diagnosed with pneumonia. She spent eight days in Arrowe Park Hospital's renal ward before being discharged.
Four days later, she told her husband James, 37, she felt unwell and hadn't felt the baby move all day. She was readmitted and found to have an aspergillus infection, then transferred to the high dependency unit. Her condition deteriorated rapidly as she struggled to breathe.
Heart Rate Dropped to 20bpm
Doctors placed Helen in an induced coma on a ventilator after her heart rate fell to just 20 beats per minute. Her family was told to prepare for the worst, expecting both her death and the loss of the baby. She briefly regained consciousness, but due to concerns the baby had stopped moving, an emergency caesarean section was performed, saving both lives.
Helen's daughter Cordelia, named after a character from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was born at 29 weeks weighing 2lb 3oz — the size of her mother's palm. Helen said: “I had never seen a child that small. She was so small but so perfect.”
Recovery and Support
Helen and James stayed at Ronald McDonald House at Arrowe Park while Cordelia received neonatal care. Despite her premature birth, Cordelia has hit all key milestones and is known as the “miracle baby” in the family. Helen said: “I see her now and I can't even comprehend that she was that little baby.”
Fundraising for Ronald McDonald House
Helen is now fundraising for Ronald McDonald House by assembling care packages with small comfort items for parents of premature babies. She said: “On November 15 our little girl will turn one. Just two days later it is World Prematurity Day. To mark both of these moments, we would love to give something back.” She added: “They are heroes. They provided the emotional support when we needed it the most.”
