A premature baby girl described as a “miracle”, born at just 22 weeks, in Richmond in the United States, has defied the odds. After spending four months in a newborn intensive care unit (NICU), she has now left hospital. “We’re blessed”, says her mother.
Little Leilani weighed just one pound when she was born. Equivalent to the weight of a shoe, her prospects hung in the balance when her mum, Shantel Allmon, was taken to hospital after her water broke 22 weeks into her pregnancy.
“I honestly thought I had a miscarriage in my bathroom, so I’m crying hysterically; I start to panic”, she recalls.
It was the “scariest moment of my life, honestly”, says Allmon. “I didn’t even think there was a chance for her at 22 weeks.”
Leilani required several procedures during her time in NICU. She was also placed on a ventilator.
Dr Joseph Khoury, one of the dedicated medical staff who cared for Leilani, said: “It is very tough. There are a lot of unknowns when babies are born so prematurely. They have a lot of risk factors. Their survival isn’t guaranteed.”
But Leilani clung on to life. “She’s amazing. She’s a miracle, and we really have to tell people”, says Dr Khoury.
All the staff at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU are delighted with her progress, including Dr Khoury. “She’s acting like a full-term baby, just feeding, not requiring any kind of support at all when she went home.”
Leilani’s joyful mother is so thankful. “The whole time I was in there, the doctors and nurses were awesome. Her nurse, Morgan, would call me every other day, send pictures over to me.”
SPUC comment
A SPUC spokesperson said: “Society today so often diminishes the value of life. But little Leilani is a living testament to the joy and wonder a life may bring.
“Every life is precious and should be appreciated equally, whatever the circumstances. Leilani might be tiny, but her spirit is huge.”
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