A baby born at 22 weeks and three days has returned home to his siblings after months in hospital.
Baby Isaac weighed just 1.2lbs at birth, similar to two blocks of butter, and was discharged from the University Hospital in Coventry weighing 6lbs (2.7kg). Mum Vimbay said the family celebrated each gram he gained while in the Neonatal and Special Care Baby Units.
In Britain, abortion is available for most reasons up to 24 weeks, the age at which babies are deemed to be ‘viable’ outside the womb.
‘Hope’
Mum Vimbay reflected: “There have been moments of fear and moments of exhaustion, but there have also been moments of hope”.
“The nursing team and Neonatal staff have been amazing. Isaac wouldn’t have got to where he is now without them.”
She spoke about “the hardest time” she experienced, when Isaac was in Intensive Care, but now that he is home, she said: “I’m receiving a lot of support from the Neonatal Community Outreach Team and that is really reassuring.”
‘Powerful example’
Isaac is the youngest baby to survive at the hospital.
The hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer Tracey Brigstock stated: “Isaac’s journey is a powerful example of the strength shown by babies, families and staff every day in our Neonatal services.
“We are incredibly proud of the care, compassion and expertise shown by our teams. It is wonderful to know Isaac is now home with his family, and we wish them every happiness for the future.”
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