S2E27 | How my own NICU experience inspired me to set up The Smallest Things Charity - Catriona Ogilvy

This week on the Miracle Moon podcast, we talk to Catriona, the Founder of The Smallest Things, a UK premature baby charity that supports families in their journey after neonatal care and seeks to improve the long term outcomes of children born prematurely.

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Catriona, who is also a paediatric Occupational Therapist with over twenty years experience working with children, young people and families, founded The Smallest Things in September 2014 following the premature birth of both her sons. She volunteers her time for the charity and is passionate about making the world a better place for children born prematurely and their families.

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We discuss:

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Catriona's own experience with her sons' premature births at 29 weeks.

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The emotional toll of NICU stays and the struggle of returning to work too soon.

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The charity's efforts and success to extend parental leave and the importance of employer support.

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How people can talk to their workplace about supporting NICU parents now, and become an “employer with heart”.

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How the charity is supporting children born prematurely in their educational journey.

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The Prem Aware Award Scheme and free teacher training for supporting premature children

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Understanding the subtle learning difficulties of prematurely born children.

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The vision of the smallest things and how they want to work closely with health visitors to increase understanding of NICU.