neonatologist Dr Sankara Narayanan
A family has raised over £800 for Watford General’s neonatal unit to thank the team for the “incredible” care their premature daughter received during her 61 days stay.
Baby Matilde Vigia Lousa was born at 29 weeks following an emergency caesarean section in August 2026 to parents Mafalda Vigia and Duarte Lousa, who are originally from Portugal.
Before baby Matilde’s birth, Mafalda and her family knew little about neonatal care. Staff from the unit explained what would happen and what to expect, helping to reassure them during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
Although their first meeting with baby Matilde after the caesarean section was not how the family had hoped it would be, staff helped Mafalda to sit beside her baby on the unit and take their first photograph together.
With two other children at home, Mafalda and her family could not always spend the whole day on the ward. The neonatal team used an app called 'Badger Notes' to share overnight updates about Matilde’s sleep and feeding, helping the family feel connected when they could not be by her side. Mafalda said: “It was really reassuring for us as parents to have those updates when we couldn't physically be with Matilde.”
For Mafalda, the team’s support made a lasting difference to the whole family. She said: “The team really save lives of babies but also support and heal parents too.”
The family were so grateful for the care and support they received that Mafalda raised hundreds of pounds for the unit to help more babies like Matilde.
Mafalda said: “We wanted to give something back by raising funds to help the team to continue their amazing work. They cared for Matilde when she needed them most and supported us as parents through an incredibly challenging and emotional time.”
Baby Matilde is now a healthy, happy baby girl and her family have moved back to Portugal, but the neonatal team will always hold a special place in their hearts. Mafalda said: “The neonatal team's care and support means more to us than we can put into words.”
Dr Sankara Narayanan, consultant neonatologist, who was involved in baby Matilde’s care, said: “It was a pleasure to look after Matilde, Mafalda and her family. It's been a privilege for us to get to know them, and to see baby Matilde get healthy enough to go home to her siblings and family.”
Around 300 premature babies are admitted to Watford’s neonatal intensive care unit each year. Donations will help the unit care for babies and support their families when they need it most.
To help make a difference to premature babies and their families, please consider donating to Mafalda’s fundraiser. All donations go towards West Herts Hospitals Charity’s neonatal appeal.