Family’s move to Portugal delayed by baby’s premature birth

A family whose move to Portugal had to be delayed after their baby was born 11 weeks early have thanked the hospital that cared for her during the most “incredibly challenging time”.

Baby Matilde was born at Watford General Hospital in August at 29 weeks and stayed in the care of its neonatal team for 61 days.

Her mother Mafalda said: “They cared for Matilde when she needed them most and supported us as parents through an incredibly challenging and emotional time.”

The family has now raised £800 for the unit to show their appreciation.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said the family had been living in the UK for 13 years and had planned to move back to Portugal before Matilde was born.

Instead, she was delivered via emergency caesarean section nearly three months prematurely.

The family, which includes Matilde’s father Duarte and her two siblings, have since moved back to Portugal.

The move was only possible when Matilde was feeling better, a hospital spokesperson confirmed.