Isaac Bako has become the youngest baby ever to survive being born at University Hospital, Coventry, arriving at 22 weeks and three days into the pregnancy and weighing just 555g.
His parents, Vimbay and Tatenda, have now brought him home for the first time, several months after his birth in February, with his older brother and sister on hand to greet him.
At birth, Isaac weighed around 1.2lbs, about the same as a large block of butter. Since then his recovery has been striking, and he now weighs close to 6lbs.
That progress is credited to the hospital’s Neonatal and Special Care Baby Units, whose teams looked after Isaac throughout his early months.
Vimbay said:
“It was one of the scariest moments of my life and it has been an emotional rollercoaster. We’ve celebrated every gram he has gained!
“There have been moments of fear and moments of exhaustion, but there have also been moments of hope, and my faith has carried me through this.
“The nursing team and Neonatal staff have been amazing. Isaac wouldn’t have got to where he is now without them.
“When he was in Intensive Care, that was the hardest time, and the nurses there have such a big job caring for the tiniest children. At first I just wanted to go home with my baby, but then the thought of going home was scarier than staying in hospital. I’m receiving a lot of support from the Neonatal Community Outreach Team and that is really reassuring.”
Roughly seven out of ten babies born at 22 weeks do not survive labour or the period immediately after birth.
Staff who cared for Isaac from the moment he was born described watching him leave hospital as a proud and moving moment.
Tracey Brigstock, Chief Nursing Officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, said:
“Isaac’s journey is a powerful example of the strength shown by babies, families and staff every day in our Neonatal services.
“We are incredibly proud of the care, compassion and expertise shown by our teams. It is wonderful to know Isaac is now home with his family, and we wish them every happiness for the future.”
