I had a normal pregnancy, and went on teaching until quite late. Then my husband went to San Francisco for a week on business, something I was used to. He had only been there for a day, when I woke in the middle of the night when my waters broke. I took myself to the RUH the next morning, and phoned my husband from there.

By that evening I was in labour, and he was on the plane home. The babies were born the next day. Kieran weighed in at 5lb 1oz and 20 minutes later Tristan was born weighing 4lb 10oz. They were 6 weeks premature. My husband arrived 15 minutes after it was all over; I felt sorry for him that he wasn't there, but I do being by myself very well.

The twins went straight to NICU, because although Kieran was fine Tristan had some breathing difficulties and was on oxygen for a week. The NICU nurses were amazing, took time to treat me as an individual and explain everything about the condition of my babies. It was reassuring to be told about the equipment, its functions and why it bleeped a lot! They always reacted very calmly and practically. I went home after a day, but I had absolute confidence that the babies were safe and getting the best of care. The only guilt I felt was about not feeling guilty!

I visited the unit twice a day, where the nurses were welcoming and pleased to see me and tell me how the boys were progressing. I was taught how to care for them and to feed them. The facilities in NICU were a little cramped especially when the doctor did rounds; you had to leave while he talked to other parents. More privacy would have been welcome when breast-feeding; Tristan was in a splint (fear of hip-displacement) and couldn't snuggle to feed so he always took a long time. Mostly it was nice to smile and say hello to other parents and visitors, particularly as you moved 'nearer the door' a sign that you would soon be going home together.

All the areas the boys were in were of necessity quite clinical, but the family room was not really adequate; I think it could be more spacious and comfortable, as it was often quite busy. The first time I went in to the unit and found that the boys had been moved was disconcerting until I was shown the board near the door showing where all the babies were. From then on it was quite exciting as they moved nearer to 'exit'.

We spent the night before discharge in the flat, as you do. It was very cramped and not very comfortable. I packed all my bags and had turned to go when a nurse said 'Haven't you forgotten something?' I checked my bags, couldn't see anything amiss, then noticed the boys in their car-seats on the floor! I was so used to going home without them. I have never left them anywhere since!

A new physical space for NICU would be wonderful for babies and parents, but most of all for the staff. There are no words to describe their loving, unsentimental care for everyone who uses the unit, and they deserve the very best. We are at present living temporarily in Canada; the boys will soon be 5 and starting school; they are permanently interested in, and excited by, everything around them. I thank NICU for their wonderful start in life and the confidence they gave a first-time mother to enjoy every day.