His mum Bethany Homar was told there was a high chance her little boy wouldn’t make it when she was rushed for an emergency C-section at 26 weeks and three days. She had suffered a placental abruption – where the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before birth.
After a remarkable battle for survival, a premature infant born weighing less than two pounds has made it home. When Isaiah Gordon was delivered, his heart stopped for a horrifying 17 minutes.
Bethany was given two choices by the medical staff at Sheffield Children’s Hospital in South Yorkshire: halt the bleeding and keep the baby alive, or risk a cesarean section with a low chance of success. I was given two choices, his mother remarked.
But I can’t, I have to give my baby life even though it’s most fragile. I must give my child a chance.
He was born with a hole in his heart and an open valve – which doctors will continue to monitor as he grows. the doctors told me they had resuscitated him for 17 minutes and if it took a few more minutes they would have to stop. He made it through at the last second. He was very ill and needed many blood transfusions, but he fought. The tiny baby had low blood pressure and had to have multiple blood transfusions to save his life. But fortunately, brain scans showed only two small bleeding spots and no signs of brain damage.
Bethany’s pregnancy was extremely smooth, until at 26 weeks pregnant, she started having cramps and bleeding. My cramps are just like menstrual cramps.
And in August, 112 days after his harrowing April 7 delivery, he was able to return home with an oxygen tank. Bethany, a 28-year-old mother of four, and Reuben Gordon, a 28-year-old partner, were thrilled to welcome him home.
I can’t believe he’s home and fine now. He’s a miracle,” said his mother. For a while, there seemed to be no end in sight. Now he weighs 7lbs 13oz and is smiling and cooing at us.
“It all happened so quickly after Bethany was transported to the hospital,” Reuben remarked. Although I was unable to accompany her during the c-section, I was able to see Isaiah shortly after he was delivered. Despite the fact that he was so small, he managed a slight yawn, which gave me hope for his wellbeing. But he was quite ill for a long period, and it was very frightening. Just happy he’s back home, please.
