A tiny baby born at just 23 weeks has wowed her family and medics at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford by growing to the size of a Christmas cracker.
Lily Bickerdike-Guile was born via c-section together with her twin sister, Daisy, on 30 October, weighing just 15oz.
The twins were given only a 20 per cent chance of survival. Sadly, Daisy passed away.
But Lily had made amazing progress, as documented by her mother, Cheryl.
At 20 days old, Lily weighed 1lb 5oz and was very similar in size to an iPhone. At one-month-old, she was the size of a water bottle, at 1lb 9oz. Now, at eight weeks, Lily weighs 2lbs 9oz and has grown to the size of a Christmas cracker.
Her due date was 6 February 2022.
Cheryl is thrilled at her progress. “I heard the team of nurses gasp when they saw how unexpectedly tiny they were”, she said.
“I was told by the consultant that we would need some serious good luck on our side if they were even to survive the night as their chances were very low. I was so terrified…
“Measuring Lily against objects started after Daisy passed away. I realised how precious every moment was and wanted to document every part of Lily’s journey.”
SPUC comment
A SPUC spokesperson said: “Brave little Lily has defied the odds and survived a very difficult start in life. While the passing of her twin sister, Daisy, is tragic, Lily’s progress and eventual return home is a great source of joy.
“Advances in medical care at the beginning of life have transformed the prospects of survival for premature babies. Evidence indicates that 35% of babies born four months premature at 22 weeks now survive if treated.
“Given the chance, life can find a way to thrive.”
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