Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Friday, May 9
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Spotlight»Baby Aura’s early arrival
Spotlight

Baby Aura’s early arrival

8 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

By: Jo Ford

For many women, pregnancy is a long forty week journey, full of ups and downs. Physically and emotionally it can prove to be a challenging time, especially for first time mums. But Leah Huf, isn’t like many and most first time mums. Leah’s labour started early…at just 26 weeks into her pregnancy.

“I will never forget that day”, recalls Leah. “It was June 22, 2013. I was 33 years old, pregnant for the first time and excited at the prospect of having my baby in the spring months. But everything changed that day…”

“When I woke up, my body felt different. I had some aches and pains but reassured myself it was all normal and just part of being pregnant. It was a busy day; friends were visiting and I had to get food at the supermarket. As I wandered through the aisles the pain seemed to amplify. I kept arching my back to try to soothe the sensations, telling myself that these must be Braxton Hicks (mild tightening of the uterus) and they would disappear.”

“As soon as I returned home, I ran to sit on the toilet. This seemed to relieve the pain for a few moments and went on for about an hour.”

It was only when Leah noticed some light bleeding that she began to become concerned that something was not quite right with the pregnancy. Together with fiancée Chris, they drove to the WHAC (Women’s Health Ambulatory Clinic) at Frankston Hospital. “I was seen really quickly and a midwife asked the usual sorts of questions such as name, address, gestation etc. It was as I stood up that the pain really kicked in and I screamed out, arching my back quite violently. Within a flash, an obstetric registrar rushed into the room and examined me.”

Feeling bewildered and anxious, Leah could not believe it when the doctor told her she was already 10 cm dilated. “I wasn’t really sure what that meant and it was only when he said that I was in ‘full labour’ did it sink in what was happening.”

“Suddenly the small room was full of faces. There were people all around me, maybe 10 or more! I held one of the midwives’ hands and she reciprocated, squeezing my hand tightly. I was so afraid at this point and needed reassurance that I wasn’t going to lose the baby. I was given a shot of steroids which was to help the baby’s lungs. More was to be given 12 hours after.”

Still in a state of shock, Leah was briefed on all sorts of information about possible scenarios. “The doctors explained what to expect when I saw the baby for the first time: there was a mention of complications and, if the baby survived at all, it would involve a long hospital stay.”

Leah was taken by ambulance to Monash Medical Centre, as Frankston Hospital does not have a neonatal unit that can care for such a premature baby. Another ambulance followed closely behind. “I asked why there were two ambulances and was told that it might be needed if I had the baby on the way!!!! I was scared and in tears but tried to remain calm, not wanting to stress my body further.”

“At Monash, I was taken into a labour suite. My brother, sister-in-law and Chris arrived soon after. For the next 8 hours, I had to lay flat on my back. I couldn’t move around or weight-bare and I was connected to numerous machines which were monitoring both me and the baby. The labour was delayed with medication to try to allow the steroids to do their job but at 10 pm I was rushed into the theatre suite for an emergency caesarean.”

“The baby was delivered and quickly taken away. I glimpsed my helpless daughter across the room in the doctor’s hands. She was so, so tiny and red in colour, weighing a mere 910 grams.”

Leah named her baby daughter Aura. “The first time I saw her face was from a photo sent to my phone and I did not get to meet her until nine hours after she was delivered. I waited a whole month before I could eventually cuddle her. It certainly was not the introduction to life I was expecting or hoping for.”

Baby Aura was alive but connected to an assortment of wires and tubes. “We were told to be prepared for any scenario: infection was something we needed to be concerned about. Oxygen had been administered immediately after she was born and we would not know if any damage had occurred for quite some time. We had no idea what to expect; we were so far out of our comfort zone.”

Aura stayed in Monash NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for four and a half months and for both Leah and Chris, it was a long and intense journey. Leah reflects on that time, “We were exposed to a whole new world. Every day was different. Some days we took steps forward and other days backwards.”

Aura was on 24 hour oxygen for the first 8 months of her life and had a nasal gastric feeding tube for 14 months in total.

“Finally, after 128 days we were allowed to take Aura home. It was surreal. We had waited so long to do this and it was such a beautiful moment – travelling away from the hospital and back to our house with our daughter beside us.”

After the oxygen was set up at home and mobile tanks supplied, the couple started their ‘new life’. “We just had to get on with things without dwelling on what had happened. There were so many appointments to attend so that we could support Aura’s needs.”

Aura needed to be weighed weekly at the Dromana Maternal Health Centre. “Each week we were met by Anne, our lovely caring nurse. Anne’s support and information was crucial for me. As a first time mum, I was guided by her every step of the way – from milestones, vaccine information, introduction to food, everything and anything.  I was also linked into a range of community services from physiotherapists, dieticians, oral therapists, paediatricians, breastfeeding consultants, respiratory specialists, heart specialists and a wonderful support organisation called Biala, located in Mornington. It was here that I met two ladies called Kate and Ange. They hosted a monthly mothers’ group and truly helped to heal me. They gave me such valuable insight as to what our future would be like with a ‘premmie’.”

“Aura and I attended this group for two years and made some special friends, discussed some intensely raw topics and shared our premmie stories. I will always cherish Biala and especially Kate and Ange for all the care and support they offered to both Aura and me.”

In order that Aura gain as much weight as possible, she had been awoken frequently though the night whilst in NICU. “Right from birth Aura would need to be woken up to feed and this went on until she was one and a half. Once at home, Aura would often wake up three or four times per night for a feed.”

The sleep deprivation was starting to take a toll on the family and after careful consideration Leah decided to seek some support. “I had been referred to a sleep consultant, a magical lady called Mandy Hose from “Mandy Hose She knows”. Mandy’s expertise dramatically changed our lives for the better. Getting proper, healthy ‘uninterrupted’ sleep cannot be underestimated. Feeling tired and lethargic day after day is utterly horrible. There are still times when Aura will become unsettled but we simply refer back to the routine Mandy provided to help bring things back on track. It seems to work!”

“Luckily for us, we now have a beautiful, perfectly healthy three and a half year old who is everything we could want in mind body and spirit. I feel truly blessed that we have a success story with Aura. Sadly some families aren’t so lucky and my heart goes out to them.”

“I also feel so grateful that we had access to the unbelievable support services on the Mornington Peninsula and beyond. Monash NICU nurses and hospital services were fundamental in taking care of Aura from so early on and they deserve such praise. “We are certainly very lucky to live where we do!”


Jo Ford runs Bodybump (pregnancy and post-natal aqua and fitness classes) and is bringing up two gorgeous girls, Lily and Rose. In her (limited) spare time, you’ll find her at the gym practicing what she preaches.

www.bodybump.com.au

If you have an interesting pregnancy or birth story, contact Jo at bodybumpfitness@gmail.com

As published in Peninsula Kids – Autumn 2017

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7:00 PM - Carnivale Party at Sk8house
10
11
11:00 AM - Mother's Day at Sk8house - MUM SKATES FOR FREE!!
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
Carnivale Party at Sk8house
09 May
May 9, 2025    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
Get ready to roll into a fabulous night full of colour, music and non-stop fun! The Sk8house Carnivale Party will be a magical night of vibrant vibes, [...]
More Info
Mother's Day at Sk8house - MUM SKATES FOR FREE!!
11 May
May 11, 2025    
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
  • Mother's Day
💐 Celebrate Mum on Wheels this Mother’s Day at Sk8house! 💖 This Sunday, 11th May, we’re rolling out the love for all the amazing mums, [...]
More Info
Events on May 9, 2025
09 May
Carnivale Party at Sk8house
9 May 25
Carrum Downs
Events on May 11, 2025
11 May
Mother's Day at Sk8house - MUM SKATES FOR FREE!!
11 May 25
Carrum Downs
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
Grab your cameras and hot choccies! Neon Fields returns to glow up Frankston!
When the sun goes down it is time to gather family and friends and venture into Neon Fields. Beauty Park will once again be transformed into a colourful fantasy world where you’re invited to interact and play among the lights during this free event!
——————————————————————————
#southsidefestival #neonfields #frankston #beautypark #visitfrankston #whatson #whatsonthisweekend #thingstodo #freeevent #photoops #lovepeninsulakids 
@southsidefestivalfrankston
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Grab your cameras and hot choccies! Neon Fields returns to glow up Frankston! When the sun goes down it is time to gather family and friends and venture into Neon Fields. Beauty Park will once again be transformed into a colourful fantasy world where you’re invited to interact and play among the lights during this free event! —————————————————————————— #southsidefestival #neonfields #frankston #beautypark #visitfrankston #whatson #whatsonthisweekend #thingstodo #freeevent #photoops #lovepeninsulakids @southsidefestivalfrankston
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
In July, Associate Professor Andrew Kornberg, Senior Neurologist at The RCH Foundation, will embark on a remarkable solo flight around Australia to raise $4.5 million for life-changing treatments for children with rare and complex conditions.

Called Fly for the Kids, this one-of-a-kind fundraiser will help establish dedicated spaces, resources, and specialist staff at the RCH, making advanced therapies — including revolutionary gene therapy — more accessible to sick children across Australia.

Andrew’s journey will see him revisit patients whose lives have been transformed by advanced therapies, putting real faces and stories to the incredible impact of this innovation in paediatric healthcare.

You can learn more about the campaign here: https://flyforthekids.org.au 

@rch.foundation
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
In July, Associate Professor Andrew Kornberg, Senior Neurologist at The RCH Foundation, will embark on a remarkable solo flight around Australia to raise $4.5 million for life-changing treatments for children with rare and complex conditions. Called Fly for the Kids, this one-of-a-kind fundraiser will help establish dedicated spaces, resources, and specialist staff at the RCH, making advanced therapies — including revolutionary gene therapy — more accessible to sick children across Australia. Andrew’s journey will see him revisit patients whose lives have been transformed by advanced therapies, putting real faces and stories to the incredible impact of this innovation in paediatric healthcare. You can learn more about the campaign here: https://flyforthekids.org.au @rch.foundation
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Breast Cancer Trials, ANZ’s largest oncology research group, is holding a ‘matched giving day’ on Thursday, 8th May where – for 24 hours only, donations from the public will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of generous supporters. Every dollar raised will be doubled to help fund clinical breast cancer research.

How can people get involved:
Donate online at breastcancertrials.org.au/givingday (this will go live On Thursday 8th May)
Donate by calling 1800 423 444
Follow Breast Cancer Trials on socials and share their own stories, thanks and memories of their mums and mother-figures.

@breastcancertrials
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Breast Cancer Trials, ANZ’s largest oncology research group, is holding a ‘matched giving day’ on Thursday, 8th May where – for 24 hours only, donations from the public will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of generous supporters. Every dollar raised will be doubled to help fund clinical breast cancer research. How can people get involved: Donate online at breastcancertrials.org.au/givingday (this will go live On Thursday 8th May) Donate by calling 1800 423 444 Follow Breast Cancer Trials on socials and share their own stories, thanks and memories of their mums and mother-figures. @breastcancertrials
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Cute Mother's Day craft to do with the kids for mum!

https://peninsulakids.com.au/spiral-paper-flowers/

#mothersday #crat #craftingwithkids #kidslovecraft #homemadegifts
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Cute Mother's Day craft to do with the kids for mum! https://peninsulakids.com.au/spiral-paper-flowers/ #mothersday #crat #craftingwithkids #kidslovecraft #homemadegifts
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
One of my fave parts of Mother's Day, (other than the at-home day spa), is receiving these questionnaires full of funny answers, (and sometimes some hard truths), from my kids.

https://peninsulakids.com.au/craft-whats-the-best-thing-about-your-mum/
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
One of my fave parts of Mother's Day, (other than the at-home day spa), is receiving these questionnaires full of funny answers, (and sometimes some hard truths), from my kids. https://peninsulakids.com.au/craft-whats-the-best-thing-about-your-mum/
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Today we received a gorgeous entry for our colouring in competition from a 75 year-old reader of Peninsula Kids magazine in the actual MAIL! 💌

This has made my day so much that I may have to pay the entrant a visit with a special prize for all their effort and for giving me a huge smile on a Monday!

How’s that artwork?!?!?! 🤩

Have you sent your entry in? 
IG: Use Linktree in bio to download a copy.
FB: check out pinned/featured post. 🧑‍🎨 
@chocolate.grove 
——————————————————————————
#peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #colouringin #colouringincompetition #chocolate #chocolatehamper
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Today we received a gorgeous entry for our colouring in competition from a 75 year-old reader of Peninsula Kids magazine in the actual MAIL! 💌 This has made my day so much that I may have to pay the entrant a visit with a special prize for all their effort and for giving me a huge smile on a Monday! How’s that artwork?!?!?! 🤩 Have you sent your entry in? IG: Use Linktree in bio to download a copy. FB: check out pinned/featured post. 🧑‍🎨 @chocolate.grove —————————————————————————— #peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #colouringin #colouringincompetition #chocolate #chocolatehamper
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
#anzacday #lestweforget
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
#anzacday #lestweforget
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The piggest news is about to drop! 🐷
Be among the first to hear the squeal-worthy scoop, in just a few days time!
Knock! Knock! Who’s there?

Do you think Peppa and George will have a baby brother or sister? Drop your guess in the comments below!

#expectingPigChanges #PeppaPigNewBaby #BigSister #BigBrother 

@officialpeppapig
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
The piggest news is about to drop! 🐷 Be among the first to hear the squeal-worthy scoop, in just a few days time! Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Do you think Peppa and George will have a baby brother or sister? Drop your guess in the comments below! #expectingPigChanges #PeppaPigNewBaby #BigSister #BigBrother @officialpeppapig
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
⏰ Don’t Be Late for This Important Date!

🎩 On now through 20th April, the stylish boutique hotel, Hotel Chadstone, is bringing the magic of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to life. Inspired by the famous Mad Hatter’s tea party, this whimsical high tea invites you to delight in both sweet and savoury creations that reflect the fantastical nature of Wonderland.

🐇 Bookings are essential. For reservations, please call +61 3 9108 3333 or email info@altusrooftop.com.au

#madhattershightea #madhatter #dontbelate #hightea #schoolholidays #schoolhols #thingstodo #chadstone #altus #chaddy #funforall #familytime #gettogether #drinktea #teatime
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
⏰ Don’t Be Late for This Important Date! 🎩 On now through 20th April, the stylish boutique hotel, Hotel Chadstone, is bringing the magic of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to life. Inspired by the famous Mad Hatter’s tea party, this whimsical high tea invites you to delight in both sweet and savoury creations that reflect the fantastical nature of Wonderland. 🐇 Bookings are essential. For reservations, please call +61 3 9108 3333 or email info@altusrooftop.com.au #madhattershightea #madhatter #dontbelate #hightea #schoolholidays #schoolhols #thingstodo #chadstone #altus #chaddy #funforall #familytime #gettogether #drinktea #teatime
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.