The 1lb 6oz Miracle Baby - Tracey Tells Her Story
“I never knew that babies born so early could survive and I hope that other parents reading this can take something from my experience. Erin is living proof that miracles do happen!”
Hi, my name is Tracey and on the 27th April 2006 my daughter Erin was born at 25 weeks, 3 days gestation, weighing 1lb 6oz.
Throughout my pregnancy I had a few minor bleeds and one major one which I thought was a miscarriage. After my 22 week scan, I noticed that I was ‘leaking’ a little fluid and was also experiencing some small pains. I mentioned this to my own doctor who said it was normal as the baby was probably just lying on my bladder. The ‘leaking’ continued for a couple of weeks but I continued to be reassured by my doctor and midwife that there was nothing to worry about.
By 24 weeks the leaking had become worse and I began experiencing heavy, regular pains and noticed some spotting. At my mum’s insistence we decided to go to the hospital. One minute I was being examined, and the next I was rushed to the delivery suite as I was 5cm dilated and in labour!
I was put onto a drip to try and slow labour down and was given injections of steroids for the baby’s lungs. At this stage I really didn’t know what to think or expect. The paediatricians then broke the disturbing news to me that if my baby was born this early it was likely that she would be born with a number of difficulties. This was hard news to take, but in a way it did prepare me for the worst.
Erin stayed inside me for another four days before labour started again with a bang and this time there was no stopping it. The paediatricians explained that it was likely Erin would be born that night and reassured us that they would do everything they could for her in the neonatal unit, which was a bit of a relief to hear.
Just after midnight Erin was born and she cried which was a good sign - albeit like a little kitten. The doctors worked with Erin in the corner and I couldn’t even look over as I was just too terrified. It felt like ages before I was able to see and kiss her for the first time. She was taken away to the unit and to be honest I thought that was the last time we would see her. She was tiny, smaller than anything I expected. I was afraid but tried not to show it.
About an hour later we were able to go and see Erin in the neonatal unit. It was terrifying - machines, wires, noise, incubators everywhere. Erin was tiny and her skin was tight, red and shiny - you could even see through it. She also needed a ventilator to breathe.
Over the next few months we watched Erin grow and develop – but it really was a rollercoaster ride. We watched her come through the mild infections, needles, oxygen, checks, surgery on her eyes and damage to her lungs causing chronic lung disease. She was on and off the ventilator and then back on it again. The unit was a frightening place but the nurses were brilliant, really friendly and helpful and explained everything. During our time in the unit they became like our family and I must admit that when Erin got home I cried leaving. I think it was because I was scared of leaving the security of the machines and staff behind.
We were really frightened having Erin at home and couldn’t take our eyes off her. She was back at the unit for the baby clinic the following week and it was great getting to see all the nurses again. We were then told that Erin needed another operation on her eyes as they had been damaged by the oxygen. But she was here and without the oxygen she wouldn’t have made it.
As a result of her prematurity Erin does have a few problems. She has chronic lung disease, she needs glasses and she is small for now - but they do say good things come in small packages and Erin is a happy healthy baby. We have been so lucky to have our family and friends supporting us and the support of the unit. Without their help Erin wouldn’t be here today and we can never repay what they have given us and Erin.
