MIRACLE BABY | | 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." VigilLorraine 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 boundIn 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 hospitalBut 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 ChristmasEnjoying 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." | 
