A tiny, premature baby, who weighed less than a bag of sugar when she was born, has finally been able to leave the hospital, just in time for Christmas.
Baby Desire was born 18 weeks prematurely to first-time parents Omotola and Samuel Joseph, after her mum went into labour unexpectedly in July. The little premature baby weighed only 13 ounces, or 375 grams, when she was born, and so had to spend time in the care of doctors and nurses at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) while she developed.
“Before she was born, we prepared our minds for what might happen. She was just so tiny, fitting entirely in the palm of my hand”, mum Omotola said.
“We didn’t know if she was going to make it, it was so scary. We kept thinking ‘will she survive?’ but the doctors helped her so much”.
Desire’s parents praised the neonatal team, who cared so well for the premature baby during her time in the NICU.
“I have seen angels in human form. I’m so grateful to the teams. Now she’s getting better and stronger each day”, Omotola said. “They all played an important role. They were so amazing, both the psychological care for myself and the care for my baby. The staff did amazing jobs”.
“I’m so happy and grateful, they’re the best teams ever”.
As often happens with extremely premature babies, they have a tough start in life. Baby Desire had to overcome a series of infections and spent more than 150 days in the NICU. However, she never gave up and was able to go home with her family, just in time for Christmas, weighing a healthy 5 pounds 4 ounces.
“This is the joy everyone looks forward to. The baby completes your family. We can’t wait to be wearing the matching pyjamas and celebrating Christmas together. This is the best year for me”, Omotola added.
Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said “It is wonderful to hear that little Desire defied the odds and is doing so well, and our gratitude is with the medical team who supported her through more than 150 days in hospital. We hope the family have a wonderful first Christmas together”.
