Image Source: uhcw.nhs.uk
A baby born at just 22 weeks and three days has been discharged from hospital after spending months in neonatal care, highlighting the remarkable advances in the treatment of extremely premature babies and the amazing strength of the boy.
Baby Isaac weighed just 1lb 3oz at birth, around the weight of two blocks of butter, but has now returned home to his family after reaching 6lbs.
Isaac is the youngest baby ever to survive at University Hospital Coventry, where he received specialist care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Baby Unit.
His mother, Vimbay, described the emotional journey her family experienced as they celebrated every milestone in his recovery.
“There have been moments of fear and moments of exhaustion, but there have also been moments of hope,” she said.
“The nursing team and Neonatal staff have been amazing. Isaac wouldn’t have got to where he is now without them.”
She recalled that Isaac’s time in intensive care was “the hardest time” but said she was grateful for the ongoing support the family is receiving now that he has been discharged.
“I’m receiving a lot of support from the Neonatal Community Outreach Team and that is really reassuring,” she said.
Tracey Brigstock, Chief Nursing Officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, praised the staff involved in Isaac’s care.
“Isaac’s journey is a powerful example of the strength shown by babies, families and staff every day in our Neonatal services,” she said.
“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.”
Speaking on the matter SPUC’s CEO, John Deighan, said: “Isaac’s story is one that should be celebrated. He has shown the strength of children that are so often written off. We at SPUC join Vimbay in her evident jubilation that her son is now home.
“We cannot forget the sadness that comes hand-in-hand with this story when we think of the fate of so many other 22-week-old children under this nation’s legal abortion regime. Not only can abortions be legally performed by doctors until 24 weeks’ gestation but performed throughout all nine months of pregnancy since abortion was decriminalised earlier this year.
“Children like Isaac can and do survive premature birth even before viability and go on to thrive. Every child has the capacity to bring joy, and the law must change to stop the slaughter of all of them.”
