MIRACLE BABY
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| Aaliyah Hart soon after birth |
When she arrived four months early weighing
just twelve ounces (340 grams), Aaliyah Hart fitted into the palm
of her mother's hand.
Against all the odds, she has just enjoyed her
first Christmas at home.
Not only did Aaliyah arrive early, she had grown too
slowly whilst in her mother's womb.
Measuring only nine inches (23 centimetres) long at birth,
Aaliyah is the second-smallest surviving baby ever to be born in Britain.
Termination advice
| "Your life stops. That was the hardest
part, the waiting." |
| Lorraine Hart |
Before her delivery, doctors warned Aaliyah's mother,
Lorraine, that her daughter had only a 10% change of surviving.
Lorraine aged 37, says she defied doctors advice of a
termination.
She and her husband Ricardo have been trying for a baby for
more than ten years.
Lorraine says, "I'm proud that I was strong enough. I
didn't crumble under their advice.
"This is great proof for all consultants... think
before you open your mouth, before you tell people to terminate their
babies."
Critical
 |
| Lorraine and
Aaliyah in October 2003 |
Aaliyah spent her first critical days on a life support
machine in intensive care.
Doctors at Birmingham City Hospital were amazed at Aaliyah's
fighting spirit.
Dr Jeff Bissenden consultant paediatrician says, "I've
been working since 1980 and I've never seen anything like Aaliyah."
Vigil
Lorraine maintained a daily vigil by Aaliyah's side.
She says: "It's a completely different world in there, you're just oblivious
to everyone else.
"You didn't know what time of day it was. Your life stops.
"That was the hardest part, the waiting."
| Premature Babies |
|
There are several factors and conditions, including:
When a baby is delivered early to save mother or
baby's life (for example, pre-eclampsia).
A multiple-birth pregnancy.
Premature birth can be associated with smoking.
Premature births are often linked with an infection.
Congenital abnormalities in the baby.
An 'incompetent' cervix can lead to early birth.
Source: National Childbirth Trust
|
Homeward bound
In October 2003, after four months in the City hospital's
neo-natal unit, Aaliyah was taken home by her proud mum.
Weighing five pounds (2.6 kilograms), Aaliyah's tiny
lungs had developed and her body grown stronger.
The glare of the media made Aaliyah famous across the
world.
As she left the hospital, the press gathered to catch a glimpse.
Lorraine says, "All babies are special, but Aaliyah is
a little bit extra special.
"She's amazing. She's done so well and I'm so proud
of her."
Return to hospital
But just four days after going home, Lorraine and Aaliyah
were back in hospital.
Doctors had discovered a double hernia.
An operation
was quickly undertaken and little Aaliyah pulled through.
Dr Jeff Bissenden, consultant paediatrician says, "All
I know she was a fighter, she was tough... I guess she'll be like Lorraine."
Family Christmas
Enjoying festivities at her home in Highgate in Birmingham,
Lorraine reflects on a remarkable year, "It's been amazing but to
have her here today is the best Christmas present anybody could have."
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