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The world’s most premature living baby, born the length of a ballpoint pen at 21 weeks and six days, is to be allowed home from a Florida hospital today.
When she was born on October 24, Amillia Taylor weighed just 280g (10oz) and measured 24cm (9.5 inches). Doctors did not expect her to survive.
No baby born at less than 23 weeks was known to have survived before, according to the University of Iowa, which keeps a record of the world’s tiniest babies.
Amillia has spent four months in a neonatal intensive care unit at Baptist Children’s Hospital in Miami, where she has been in an incubator since birth, receiving oxygen.
She has experienced respiratory problems, a very mild brain hemorrhage and some digestive trouble, but none of the health concerns are expected to pose long-term problems, her doctors said.
Her mother Sonja Taylor said: “It was hard to imagine she would get this far. But now she is beginning to look like a real baby.”
She said: “Even though she’s only 4lb (1.8kg) now, she’s plump to me.”
Doctors said the baby girl is now thriving at 4½lb (2kg) – and between 25 and 26 inches (64 and 66cm) long – and well enough to be cared for by her parents at home.
“She’s going to be in a normal crib, she’s going to have normal feedings, she’s taking all her feedings from a bottle,” said William Smalling, a neonatalist at the hospital.
He said caring for Amillia in the past month was like navigating uncharted waters. “We didn’t even know what a normal blood pressure is for a baby this small.”
The baby was delivered by caesarean section after attempts to delay a premature delivery failed. She was breathing without assistance at birth and even made several attempts to cry.
The American Association of Pediatrics says that babies born at less than 23 weeks of age and 400g in weight are not considered viable. The survival rate for a child born at 23 weeks and weighing a pound is just 30 per cent.
Dr Smalling said: “It may be that we need to reconsider our standard for viability in light of Amillia’s case.”
He said: “Over the years, the technology that we have available to save these premature babies has improved dramatically. Today, we can save babies that would have never survived 10 years ago.”
Amillia is the first child of Eddie and Sonja Taylor of Homestead, Florida. She was conceived by in vitro fertilization, which made it possible to pinpoint her exact time in the womb.
Dr Smalling said: “She’s truly a miracle baby.”
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i had a baby girl born at 29 weeks gestation weighing only 1lb 14oz she is now 13 years old and doing very well i think it is about time the doctors realised the power of god
melanie holdsworth, west yorkshire, england
This is an amazing story me and chibizzle love it and strongly believe that now that this baby has survived at 23 weeks we should therefore evaluate whether abortions should be able to go ahead up to 24.
We wish the family the best of luck and love for their beautiful daughter.
Matthew Yates, Coventry, England
It's really wonderful that this baby is doing so well at the moment, but please don't get the impression that this is generally true for such premature babies. Many premature babies are left with considerable disabilities and health issues (not always obvious at such a young age), and many parents of such children feel that they are 'forgotten' by the system once the excitement of saving a cute tiny baby is over. Not to detract from this child's progress, but the media is making it sound as though all her problems are over - this is unlikely.
Mary, London, UK
i was born at 23 weeks and was givin the 50/50 chance of survivl. Doctors were not sure if id pull through! but i did...i was kept in hospital for about 3months, i was feed through a tube, n because i was so fragile, docs accidently slit my joint (the line in between my nostrils!) i am now 17 years old studying higher education! and alive and well and happyyyyyyyyyy! yes truley Doc's under estimate the power of life! 'where there's a will, theres a way' !
A, England,
240 cm??? She'd be one of the biggest human ever!!!
Iza, Cracow, Poland
That is truly a beautiful story. Good luck with everything, and may your daughter enjoy many years of love and prosperity.
touched, Ottawa,
My baby was in an incubator too and 11 months on she is healthy, happy and alive! Hang in there and give her lot of love and try and remember she is a normal little girl, don't mollycoddle her.
VPA, Leigh,
I am glad to hear that this little Fighter has proven yet again that life is viable, no matter at what age. It is sad that some are ridding their bodies of something this exact age and size. I am happy for the parents and for little Amillia- and this is proof alone that God does exist!
Follower, Dallas, Texas,
This baby will be a blessing to you, God bless all of you.
Janet, East Sussex, England
Very beautiful baby! Congratulations to her family and her for being so strong in this incredible feat!
Felisia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Very best wishes to you and your family! I work in a neonatal intensive care unit in Southwest Missouri and I have seen some pretty small babies but none as small as that! It is all pretty scary for parents but I am glad that she is doing ok! Good luck with everything! It is by the grace of God that she has made it this far for sure!! Take care!!
Misty, Southwest, MO
Best wishes for the Little to grow healthy and stronger in this world!!
Priya, CA, USA
In the UK, it is legal to abort a foetus at up to 24 weeks. This is considered to be the time at which a foetus becomes viable and turns into a baby. Perhaps we need to revisit this.
Frank Upton, Solihull,
My son, Marcus Christopher was born at 26 weeks and 1 day. It was a really rocky ride until he got home, but he did. He is now doing just fine and is a wonderful boy and a true blessing from God. Our very best wishes for Amillia and her Family! We know what you have been through and you parents remember to always stay positive and rejoice in the gift you have been entrusted with.
On the otherhand, having seen what we have seen, it upsets us a lot to hear about the various abortion debates that go on when children this young are normally aborted...
grazyna Soderbom, gothenburg, Sweden
My very best wishes to Amillia and her parents, she truly is a miracle baby. May she continue to thrive in this world. All the very best of health and happiness for her future.
Mary, Bodrum, Turkey
When I read this article I cried. It truly touched my heart. I am so happy for Eddie and Sonja. I know you will take good care of your little angel. Congratulations. Amillia has truly got a purpose in this life. Everything happens for a reason. I don't know you Amillia but I already love you. I know you are going to make your parents proud. I think all babies born premature should be given every possible chance there is to make it. Premature babies are just as much alive and important as we are. I am very proud of the doctors and nurses that saved this little girl. You go Amillia! Be all you can be in this life. I know that you're going to make a difference. To Eddie and Sonja, ya'll did it. Again-Congratulations.
COMPASSIONATE, Daleville, USA , ALABAMA