Special Father's Day as mum of prem babe salutes 'incredible men in my life'

Ryan and Julia Portsmouth and their three kids Kaio, 8, Luca, 2 and baby Nina. Photo/Stephen Parker

It's been an incredibly long four months for Rotorua's Julia Portsmouth but this weekthe mum-of-three and her infant daughter made it home.

Mrs Portsmouth and baby Nina have spent the past 25 weeks in hospitals following Nina's premature birth at 24 weeks gestation.

Mrs Portsmouth said to arrive home in the days before Father's Day was significant for herself, her husband Ryan and her father-in-law Warren Portsmouth.

"Since having Nina I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and the generosity of so many people, family, friends and strangers, but no more so than by the incredible men in my life," Mrs Portsmouth said.

"By telling my story I am hoping to honour all fathers from our incredible community, and also say thanks to everyone who helped to get Nina home."

Four months ago Mrs Portsmouth was woken at 4am by a "massive pain". Her husband and two sons were staying with in-laws in Tauranga but she had stayed back at Victoria Lodge, the business she and her husband manage, as her doctor had told her to rest.

Mrs Portsmouth called her doctor who arrived at the house within 20 minutes and confirmed the worst possibility, at only 24 weeks pregnant, Mrs Portsmouth was fully dilated. Mr Portsmouth rushed from Tauranga and met his wife and doctor at Rotorua Hospital.

"I was told if I stayed in Rotorua, baby's chances of survival were small but if I agreed to be airlifted to Waikato Hospital where chances were much greater, I could have her on the flight and there would be no chance of survival.

"Although I hate flying, we focused on the positives, and this was made easier by the two great male pilots who made me feel calm and confident, and a great midwife."

Nina was born at Waikato Hospital. "I had no idea at the time, I had just met the most amazing person who presented at a mere 866 grams. I named her Nina as it means strength."

Since then Nina has had a heart problem, a surgery on her tummy, three lots of brain surgery and also chronic lung disease. As well as Waikato Hospital, she has also spent time at Starship.

"During the time I was away, Ryan had to manage the motel and look after our two boys. Not only did he receive help from family, we had strangers including fellow moteliers, offer to help out.

"From the cards, to the phone calls, to the food, to the help on the front desk, people have been amazing."

Admitting to initially being nervous about taking Nina home on oxygen and with a shunt, Mrs Portsmouth said she got over it quite quickly. "I just wanted to get home.

"So Happy Father's Day to my husband who made me believe Nina would survive it all and to his dad who has made himself available to our kids during this time. And to everyone out there not only prepared to make their own kids happy, but to help others too.

"What a pleasure it is to be part of this community."