Miraculous Preterm Baby Reunites with Loving Parents After 17 Weeks
A premature infant girl, born nearly 17 weeks prematurely, has defied all odds and finally returned home after spending four months in the hospital during a curfew. Tiffany Bushell, 32, and her husband Matthew, 30, from Watford, Hertfordshire, were filled with doubt during their daughter Millie’s first five weeks on a ventilator at St. Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey.
At birth, Millie weighed only 1.07 ounces and had a massive cavity in her heart. The situation worsened when she stopped breathing just two days later. However, this brave little girl proved to be a fighter, and against all challenges, she managed to survive. The joyous moment arrived when the doctors granted permission for her parents to bring her home last week.
Tiffany, an embroiderer, expressed her astonishment, saying, “She’s a marvel. Now that she’s here, it’s a tremendous relief. Her return home makes us realize how far she’s come.”
The journey was not without its difficulties due to lockdown restrictions, as Matthew, a truck driver, was allowed only a ten-minute visit with his newborn daughter before having to leave the hospital. During the initial week, he could only communicate with Millie through video calls, while Tiffany was limited to two hours of daily visitation and had to wear mittens while holding her.
Millie’s battle did not end there; she fought off seven infections, including suspected sepsis, and underwent surgery to repair the hole in her heart. This triumph over adversity is even more significant for the couple, as they tragically lost their first daughter, Ruby, at just 24 weeks and three days after her birth in 2018.
Matthew recalled, “We had Ruby for a week before she died. That day was the worst of my existence. It was quite dark. Now, we are in a much superior position.”
The elated family plans to take the next few weeks to rest and introduce Millie to relatives who were unable to visit her during her time in the hospital. They are grateful for the support of the hospital staff and are overjoyed to be back together and safe at home.
Tiffany shared her excitement, “It’s great that a few family and acquaintances have finally been able to see her. I’m thrilled she’s returned. Leaving her was an emotionally exhausting experience. I want to spend as much time as possible in her home.”
This heartwarming story serves as a testament to the resilience of premature babies and the strength of a family’s love. Millie’s miraculous journey will surely inspire others facing similar challenges.
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