The Beel family is looking forward to Christmas Day at home in Tapanui with new addition Niamyah, following her dramatic premature birth at 26 weeks earlier this year.
Niamyah was the family’s third premature baby in succession, following big brothers Ezekiel, at 31 weeks, and Maverick at 30.
Weighing just 710g when she was born at Dunedin Hospital, Niamyah was transferred to Invercargill’s neonatal intensive care unit, where the family spent months supporting her fragile start, mum Sara said.
The experience was not a new one for the Beels, as severe pre-eclampsia had led to premature births for both Niamyah’s big brothers, in 2019 and 2021.
Christmas 2021 had been particularly testing for the family, as newborn Maverick still needed critical hospital care in Dunedin, meaning the family had to be on hand.
Mrs Beel said without the support of medical accommodation charity Ronald McDonald House, an already challenging situation could have become impossible.
"Maverick arrived at 30 weeks and the house stepped up to allow my husband David, Ezekiel and me to remain close together, including through Christmas."
"Ezekiel arrived at 31 weeks and had to spend his first weeks in the hospital. Ronald McDonald House became our essential refuge place to stay close, rest and find strength amid uncertainty."
Mrs Beel said this year brought the family’s toughest journey yet, after Niamyah arrived earlier still.
"Due to her extreme prematurity, Niamyah faced countless challenges. She needed invasive respiratory support, from a ventilator to CPAP, and then oxygen therapy, which she still relies on today. She also endured regular blood transfusions, antibiotics, countless tests and scans but, through it all, she showed incredible strength. We couldn’t even touch her at first, but now she’s thriving, weighing 2.5kg."
Mrs Beel said having the whole family nearby for support — rather than two hours away in Tapanui — "made all the difference".
"After weeks beside a hospital bed, a real bed felt amazing. The house gave us the necessary space to be together. The boys could visit on weekends, playing, laughing and being brothers to their little sister.
"Conversations with other parents became a lifeline too — it’s a place where families quietly encourage one another through good days and setbacks. Sometimes you just need someone to listen."
RMHC NZ chairman Ben Rose said Christmas was one of the busiest times of year for the charity.
"Last December and January, RMHC NZ provided 6650 nights of support to 822 families. On Christmas Day, 86 families spent the holiday at a Ronald McDonald House. No family wants to be at a hospital over Christmas, but we do our best to support every eligible family so they can spend their holidays in comfortable accommodation, near their child, with all the basics taken care of."
