Paralympian Jessica-Jane Applegate has shared the joyful news of bringing her newborn daughter, Alara, home after a challenging journey. Alara was born on May 29, well before her expected due date of September 2023, arriving at just 23 weeks gestation. Following a lengthy stay of 130 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the family can now begin their life together at home.
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Taking to Instagram, Applegate expressed her excitement and gratitude about this significant milestone, writing, “🏡 WE’RE HOME! ❤️🥹 After what feels like a lifetime in hospital, our beautiful Alara finally got to come home this week! ❤️.” She detailed the complexities of caring for a premature infant, noting that they had brought Alara home with the necessary oxygen support and feeding tube.
Alara’s journey began with many challenges, as Applegate shared on social media, reflecting on the difficulties they faced while in hospital. The new mother described it as “surreal” to finally have her daughter by her side, stating, “We’re slowly adjusting to life at home, learning our new routines and taking each day as it comes.” Despite the challenges still ahead, including ongoing medical support, the couple is eager to embrace this new chapter together.
Applegate, who shares Alara with partner Declan Jermy, has been overwhelmed by the support they have received throughout their journey. In her heartfelt post, she expressed appreciation for the love and encouragement from friends, family, and supporters, saying, “We truly don’t know how we would have got through it all without you. We will be forever grateful.”
The couple’s journey to parenthood began in January when they discovered they were expecting their first child. Applegate recalled the incredible moment when she first learned of her pregnancy, saying that she and Jermy “couldn’t have been happier.” However, the early weeks of pregnancy were marked by uncertainty, as she experienced complications due to a haematoma. Thankfully, this issue resolved by the 16-week mark, allowing them to celebrate the upcoming arrival of their daughter.
With excitement building, they chose to announce their pregnancy after the important 20-week scan. They later shared a creative announcement on Instagram, showcasing baby shoes and ultrasound images alongside clothing that proclaimed “Mom” and “Dad” hats, further revealing their daughter’s name would be Alara.
As the pregnancy progressed, Applegate kept her followers updated on Alara’s health status. In July, she informed her audience about Alara’s significant milestones in the NICU, noting the emotional toll of watching her daughter experience repeated lung collapses and other health issues. However, the baby’s progress included coming off the ventilator, which Applegate hailed as a major achievement.
Applegate’s updates provided insight into the couple’s resilience and the extent of their perseverance. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported them through the hardest days, recognising that their community’s kindness helped them cope during intense times of uncertainty.
Reflecting on their journey, Applegate acknowledged that while this is merely the beginning, they are wholly committed to cherishing each moment with Alara. The couple now looks forward to nurturing their family and creating lasting memories in the comfort of their home.
In sharing their experiences, Applegate hopes to shed light on the realities of premature births and the challenges families face. Her story encapsulates strength, hope, and the power of support from family and friends. As Alara begins her life outside the hospital, Jessica-Jane Applegate and Declan Jermy are ready to embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood together.