Born at 23 weeks, baby ‘
After experiencing severe pregnancy complications, Saybie’s mother gave birth via emergency cesarean section at 23 weeks, 3 days gestation. The early delivery was required after the baby was found to be not gaining weight and her mother’s life was at immediate risk.
At Saybie’s birth, Sharp Mary Birch’s Advanced Life Support team, along with neonatologist Dr. Paul Wozniak, worked to stabilize her before she could be transferred to the NICU.
The hospital says Saybie experienced virtually none of the medical challenges typically associated with micro preemies, which can include brain bleeds, and lung and heart issues.
At first, doctors were not confident Saybie would defy the odds, telling the baby’s parents to start preparing for the worst: Saybie’s father was told he would have about an hour with her before she would die.
“But, that hour turned into two hours, which turned into a day, which turned into a week,” said Saybie’s mother, who was asked to stay anonymous. It was distressing
Now 5 months old the little fighter tips the scales at 5.6 pounds and measures 16 inches.
When she left the unit, nurses placed a miniature graduation cap on her.
