Like most parents-to-be, Josephine and her husband Matt, were focused on nursery preparations, baby clothes and the excitement of welcoming their children into the world - never expecting how quickly life could change out of the blue.
Across two pregnancies, Josephine faced severe complications that left her critically unwell and repeatedly reliant on Canberra Hospital’s maternity, neonatal, and Hospital in the Home services.
“There were times I couldn’t tolerate food or fluids for days,” Josephine said.
Throughout both pregnancies, Josephine experienced Hyperemesis Gravidarum - a severe and debilitating condition causing relentless nausea, vomiting, dehydration, malnutrition, and exhaustion. As her condition worsened, Canberra Hospital’s Hospital in the Home team became a lifeline, providing IV hydration, medication, nutritional support and psychological care.
But what stayed with Josephine most was not only the treatment - it was the compassion.
“The team recognised that my illness affected every aspect of my life, not just my physical health,” she said.
“Beyond medical treatment, I was supported psychologically, nutritionally and socially. That holistic approach is what truly defines exceptional care, particularly when so much is provided by a generous community.”
As the pregnancies progressed, new challenges emerged.
Their son arrived prematurely following a sudden infection that left Josephine critically unwell and requiring emergency surgery. Their daughter later needed urgent respiratory support and NICU care within minutes of birth, before undergoing intensive treatment for severe jaundice.
At the same time, Josephine herself became dangerously unwell shortly after delivery, triggering an emergency sepsis response involving a large multidisciplinary team.
“In those moments, everything changes very quickly,” Josephine said.
“But throughout it all, I felt extremely appreciative for the services and care I had access to.”
Both children spent time in NICU or the Special Care Nursery, receiving specialised support and monitoring during those critical first days of life.
Today, Josephine and Matt describe themselves as incredibly fortunate to have two healthy, thriving children.
They also carry a deep sense of gratitude for the healthcare teams who supported their family through some of the most frightening moments of their lives.
“I support Canberra Hospitals Foundation because quite simply, I would not have my two children - or possibly even my own life - without the care we received,” Josephine said.
For Josephine, campaigns like Mix 106.3’s Give Me Five Appeal are about ensuring other families can access the same care close to home when life changes unexpectedly.
“Many people assume they’ll never face complications during pregnancy or have a child who requires urgent medical care,” she said.
“But these situations are more common than we realise.”
“Services like Hospital in the Home, Fetal Medicine Unit, Maternity Services, NICU and the Special Care Nursery weren’t just supportive - they helped carry us through the most challenging time of our lives.”
For Josephine, the experience reinforced just how quickly life can change – out of the blue - and when it does, healing requires so much more than medicine.
