Born 16 weeks premature, life has been a constant battle for "Charlie", who travelled home to Uralla yesterday after spending the first five months of her life in the John Hunter Children's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit.

It was a journey the Fletchers, who are first-time parents, had least expected, but one they will be forever grateful for after spending eight years going through IVF treatment to have a child and losing two babies in miscarriages before having Charlie.

Mrs Fletcher refused to leave her only daughter's side while she was in hospital, feeling helpless as her baby battled a number of life-threatening infections, endured a hernia operation and vision impairment, and depended on a machine to help her breathe.

"I was there every day," Mrs Fletcher said.

"There were a few moments where you just sat back and held your breath. But here we are, she's our little miracle."

Charlie arrived early after pregnancy complications forced doctors to perform an emergency caesarean, which saved the lives of Mrs Fletcher and her baby.

Mr Fletcher, who eagerly awaited the arrival of his girls in Uralla last night, recalled the emotional roller-coaster that took him from the moment doctors told him Charlie may not survive and to say his goodbyes, to spending his first night at home with his family.

"As a first-time dad I have done nothing but cry. I thought I was a big macho sort of bloke but I have been an absolute mess," he said.

John Hunter Children's Hospital neonatologist Dr Paul Craven said Charlie's journey was the roughest a premature baby could endure, with every day presenting a new challenge for Charlie and her parents.

But with specialist care Charlie won what would more than likely be the biggest fight of her life.

"I watched things like her eyes open for the first time, her being able to pick her head up for the first time, her pass her first hearing test and I heard her first cry. All those little milestones just meant the world," Mrs Fletcher said.

Charlie's early arrival meant the Fletchers had little time to prepare their daughter's room, which Mr Fletcher decorated ready for when his two "special ladies" came home.

At the Fletcher's request no family or friends greeted them at home yesterday, giving them time to enjoy their first moments together as a family outside of hospital.

"We just want to spend some time together at home as a family," Mrs Fletcher said.