These babies were some of the smallest to survive. However, she suffered labour pain months ahead of her due delivery date due to some complications. Over here, a foetus is not a considered person with rights in the eyes of the law until birth. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 6 Amazon travel essentials for your next getaway, starting at $12. "We're still surprised about it. The previous record for most premature baby belonged to Richard Hutchinson, who was born 131 days premature on June 5, 2020. The UK operates a little differently to the US when it comes to the legal rights of unborn babies. "The first month they werent even sure he was going to make it," Beth revealed. New Delhi: US doctors had predicted zero percent survival rate for the world's most premature baby Richard Scott William Hutchinson. The youngest baby to survive was born at 21 weeks and the record of the world's most premature baby belongs to James Elgin Gill; a Canadian boy born at just 21 weeks 5 days. Tips for coping with the NICU experience After a bit of research, she learned Richard was indeed the world's most premature baby, beating out a record that stood for nearly four decades. An NHS Highland spokesman said: "We regularly monitor maternity services across our board area to ensure we continue to deliver high-quality, safe care to pregnant women and their babies. A 16-month-old Alabama boy who weighed less than a pound when he was born at 21 weeks and one day has set a world record being named the most premature infant to survive, according to Guinness World Records. The medical professionals who cared for the baby at the hospital had to improvise when taking care of Yu Xuan as many of their normal tools and techniques were too big for the baby's small body. James Elgin Gill was born on. A watery discharge from the vagina may indicate premature rupture of the membranes that surround the baby. After more than 16 weeks in the hospital, Melinda went home weighing 4.5 pounds. He was 128 days premature, and weighed just 624 g (1 lb 6oz). And now he resides in a . Between 22 and 24 weeks gestation is considered the very earliest age of survival for preemies. Tragically, she passed away just a day after birth. Guinness World Records Kids (opens in a new window), GWR Merchandise Store (opens in a new window), Corporate Social Responsibility activities & fundraising ideas, Community engagement & tourism marketing activities. Despite a due date of 13 October 2020, Beth experienced medical complications and unexpectedly went into labour almost four months earlier than anticipated. Before Richard became the record holder, James Elgin Gill of Ottawa held the record for three-and-a-half decades. Los Angeles Times. 20 James was born so early that he was expected to die at birth orif he survivedto have multiple and severe handicaps. A baby boy born in June 2020 despite reaching only four months in his mother's womb recently celebrated his first birthday, making him the world's most premature baby to survive despite having almost no chances of living. 6oz) at birth, James Elgin Gill was born on the 20th May 1987 to Brenda and Jim, only 21 weeks into their pregnancy. He set a record when he was born for the world's most premature baby. Tiniest babies' stories called exceptions to the rule. Born at just 23 weeks and 3 days, in December 2018, Baby Saybie beat the odds. For the vast majority of preterm babies born this early on, the chances of a long-term future are vanishingly slim. She said: "I was hysterical, this was my third baby and I felt so unsupported. 1:38. Guinness World Records 2010. Rumaisa had laser eye surgery for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and wears glasses. The organization says Richard Scott William Hutchinson was brought into the world early when his mother, Beth, experienced medical complications and unexpectedly went into labor on June 5, 2020. Babies born at 22 weeks are at the threshold of viability, and in the United. His record was broken in 2014. James Elgin Gill news, gossip, photos of James Elgin Gill, biography, James Elgin Gill partner list 2023. . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Hall A. Please confirm by clicking the link in the email to be added to our mailing list. Now in November which is aptly Prematurity Awareness Month Curtis is about to see in what would have been his first birthday (11 November) had he gone to full term. "He taught me what it truly means to be resilient and, every time I look at him, Im reminded how strong and amazing all these little beautiful babies are!". Dr Travers said: "The first thing that struck me when I saw Curtis was how tiny he was, how fragile his skin was. If I had listened to the consultants in Raigmore I would not have baby Sam now. Amazingly, Curtis was delivered exactly one month after the previous record holder, Richard Hutchinson from Wisconsin, who was born at a gestational age of 21 weeks 2 days, or 131 days premature on 5 June 2020. It can't have any legal rights of its own until it's been born and has a separate existence from the mother. WHAT MAKES A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE? We would encourage the family to get in touch with our lead midwife so we can investigate this properly. A German baby girl, born at just 21 weeks and five days, has been released from the hospital and sent home with her parents after five months in neonatal care. Tiniest surviving preemie released from hospital. . Born too soon: Care for the preterm baby. The title for world's most premature baby was previously held by James Elgin Gill of Ottawa, who was delivered in May 1987 at a gestational age of 21 weeks and five days. However, her hopes were dashed when the medic told her there was nothing could be done for her. Washington Post. These preemies weigh an average of just over a pound at birth. "I credit his miraculous survival to his wonderful parents who were there for him every step of the way and to the entire neonatology team at Childrens Minnesota. Malone T. Years later, tiniest U.S. babies mature into typical kids. She said: "I was hysterical, this was my third baby and I felt so unsupported. "They are a creation of God and I have watched them develop outside the womb," said Hernandez on her daughters. While, sadly, all preemies will not have the positive outcomes of those listed above, some will. His bright blue eyes and smile get me every time - Beth Hutchinson. Smith PB, Ambalavanan N, Li L, et al. If I had listened to the consultants in Raigmore I would not have baby Sam now. At 24 weeks the survival rate goes up to 40-70 per cent. He has come a long way and is doing amazing.". He stunned and shocked those involved - fighting and surviving against the greatest of odds. The standard gestational period for a baby is 40 weeks. I knew the first few weeks of Richards life would be very difficult, but I felt that if he could make it through that, he would be a survivor," neonatologist at Childrens Minnesota, Dr Stacy Kern told Guinness Book of World Records. Chiu A. The "miracle baby" finally celebrated his first birthday on June 5, as GWC recognized him officially as the most premature baby to ever survive, surpassing a 35-year record held by James Elgin . He survived and is quite healthy. Woman with killer infectious disease arrested and 'forced into treatment', Survivors of NDEs reveal what it's like to 'die' - and it's not distressing, Moment baby is given a vape to inhale by mum - who lashes out at mum shamers, Flu warning to pregnant women as virus 'increases risk of birth defects', 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Linzi Mcmillan with baby Sam who she was told 'wasn't viable', Linzi, 26, holds baby Sam - who she believes wouldn't be here today if she hadn't pushed for a cervical stitch, The Sun spent a day on the neonatal intensive care unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary meeting premature babies and their families. In early December 2020, after more than half a year at the NICU, he was given the all-clear to leave the hospital and head home. They took the time to educate me and made sure I knew what was happening every step of the way. The team at UAB believed that Curtis may be the youngest baby born to survive in the world and, with Butlers permission, reached out to Guinness World Records. He was born at just 21 weeks and one day. The survival gap between high versus low-income countries is getting wider. He added they could not comment on individual cases but that risk assessment is undertaken by doctors and midwives on a case by case basis and throughout pregnancy. He started writing his own story the day he was born. In 2014, an Australian womanwhose unborn child died in a car crash with a drunk driver a week before she was due to give birth tried to get a law passed which would give all foetuses past 30 weeks' gestation full rights as a human being. He wasnt completely out of the woods, though, still requiring regular check-ups and relying on a few pieces of assistive equipment day to day. Curtis Means and his twin CAsya had a less than 1 percent chance to survive after they were born to Michelle Chelly Butler at UAB Hospital in Birmingham on July 5, 2020. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. "The health board has systems in place to investigate and learn from any adverse events which do occur.". The details of their births and survival give lessons on the risks and care needed for these babies. Ive been doing this almost 20 years, but Ive never seen a baby this young be as strong as he was. Dr Kern believes Rick and Beths dedication played a key part in their sons success. Chicago Tribune. As you might expect, the first couple of months were the most challenging. Though she is smaller than other kids her age, she shows no other long-term effects from her premature birth. Chicago Tribune. Of course, setting records was the last thing on the mind of his mother and the doctors at the time of his delivery. On top of all the natural worry and stress of knowing that the chances were stacked against their child, COVID-19 meant they could not stay overnight with Richard or share some of the visiting duties with other family members. 2012;129(6):e1508-16. Little Richard Hutchinson has defied the odds as the world's most premature baby to ever survive and earlier this month, he celebrated a major milestone with his first birthday. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Her NICU team called her progress miraculous. More recently, reports indicate that this was matched by Frieda Mangold, who was born to Yvonne and John Mangold (all Germany) in Fulda, Germany, on 7 November 2010 at the same age. Ms Mcmillan said: "What I want is for other women to hear my story and know that they should listen to their gut. '", We have never been able to bring a baby that young to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit so [Curtis] was literally the first of his kind. James Elgin Gill born at 21 weeks and 5 days gestation in Canada officially became the earliest premature baby born in 1987. "It doesnt feel real," admitted Beth, when asked how it feels to have broken such a long-unchallenged record. TRUSTING a doctor's advice is something instilled in us all. Richard Hutchinson fit into the palm of his parents' hands when he was born. A recent study found that more and more babies were surviving at 23 weeks, and a study before that found that babies as young as 22 weeks could survive with proper treatment. Download The AppDaily pregnancy & newborn updates with our FREE app. Bantam Books. According to Colm Travers, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology at UAB, the team was able to take Curtis off the ventilator when he was around three months old. However, inspired by their sons own resilience, they made sure they were allowed access and were continuously kept informed of the latest developments. When she isn't writing, she can be found at the beach or exploring Florida's theme parks with her family. Both children were born just under 20 weeks from . "We are working on getting him off all of them, but it takes time. But we're happy. Harry and Meghan's eviction means the end for their existence in the UK - but who can blame King Charles for doing this? Baby Saybie (who also had to be delivered early due to preeclampsia in her mother) is unusual in that she experienced very few of the medical complications many micro-preemies tend to have, such as issues with their lungs, heart, and brain. James Elgin Gill, born in 1987 in Canada was the earliestpremature birth in the world - being born 128 days early at 21 weeks, 5 days gestation, and weighing 1lb 6oz. Dr Brian Sims, the neonatologist on duty who oversaw the twins' delivery and who was greatly involved with Curtis subsequent treatment, told us: "The numbers say that babies at this age will not survive. It is believed James was born 145 days into Mrs. Gill's pregnancy, but that is something which the Gills, of Maitland, Ontario, and their doctor will have to verify, said Smith. This allows the parents to hold their babies and cherish what little time they may have together.. Guinness says he was born at 21 weeks 5 days, or 128 days premature, on May 20 . Curtis Zy-Keith Means | Image: Guinness World Records Key Highlights Curtis Zy-Keith Means weighed 420 grams when he was born at 21 weeks and 1 day in July 2020 Richard Hutchinson was born on June 5, 2020, when his mother, Beth Hutchinson, was just 21 weeks and two days pregnant. How a Viable or Nonviable Pregnancy Is Diagnosed, A Complete Guide To Your Baby's Five Senses, Micro Preemie Survival Rates and Health Concerns, Approach to infants born at 22 to 24 weeks' gestation: Relationship to outcomes of more-mature infants, Between-hospital variation in treatment and outcomes in extremely preterm infants, Tiny baby in Singapore, just 7.5 ounces, does home after 13 months in hospital, National, regional, and worldwide estimates of preterm birth rates in the year 2010 with time trends since 1990 for selected countries: a systematic analysis and implications. The most premature baby was James Elgin Gill (Canada), born to Brenda and James Gill on 20 May 1987 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; 128 days premature, he weighed 624 g (1 lb 6 oz). The standard gestational period for a baby is 40 weeks. 10. Kenna Moore was smaller than a soda can when she was born on January 9, 2012, at 9.6 ounces. Curtis is the first baby to survive at 21 weeks of pregnancy, breaking the record set by James Elgin Gill in 1987 when he was born at 128 days, as well as the record set by Sandy Lee Williams in 1978. The 2001 Guinness Book of Records lists the most premature baby as James Elgin Gill, born in Canada at 128 days premature, but weighing 21 grams - 7.4oz - more than Christopher. However, her hopes were dashed when the medic told her there was nothing could be done for her. He currently holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most premature baby. The earliest a foetus can survive out of the womb is 22 weeks gestation (when there is a 0-10 per cent chance of survival). They shouldn't take no for an answer. Born September 19, 2004, Rumaisa Rahman and her fraternal twin sister Hiba were born at 25 weeks and 6 days gestation, about 15 weeks before their due date. After 183 days in the hospital, Kenna went home with feeding and oxygen tubes and is now a healthy little girl. He was born 5-month premature to Beth Hutchinson and weighed less than half a kilogram.The baby was so small that he could fit into the palm of a hand. When he was about three months old, we were finally able to take him off the ventilator. Cases of Survival of Extremely Premature Infants. Andrea Mabry/University. Although she weighed just 9.9 ounces (280 grams) at birth, which was a world record at the time, Madeline became a healthy young woman who attended college. The stories of these preemies may give you hope or solace if you have a pre-term infant or are a risk for pre-term labor and delivery. She is now living at home with her family in California. They can happen after that but only in exceptional circumstances - e.g if the mother's life is at risk or the child would be born with a severe disability. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Mum's question to me was: 'Can we give my babies a chance? You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time by visiting our unsubscribe page and providing your email address. The little baby celebrated his first birthday on June 5. HS football players allegedly pinned to ground, hazed with Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting, Mike McCarthy shreds ex-Cowboys coordinator after firing, Bruce Willis wife Emma Heming posts throwback clip after husbands dementia diagnosis, 2023 Billboard Women in Music Awards: Lana Del Ray, Kim Petras, & more, RHOA star Drew Sidora accuses ex Ralph Pittman of cheating, mental abuse, Good luck 'worming' your way out of this one, Sunny Hostin Points Finger at China for COVID Crisis: Did Not Cooperate With the International Community, Kanye West and 'wife' Bianca Censori look surprisingly happy on dinner date. Read our, mpact of Prematurity in Twins and Multiples, Taking Your Preemie Home From the Hospital, Health Concerns for a Moderately Preterm Baby. "He was giving us a lot of positive feedback that he wanted to survive., From the very beginning, Dr Sims was astounded by Curtis resilience. Doctors expected the baby to weigh around 1.5 pounds. Hutchinson's parents fought hard to see their son survive the odds. The Guinness-record-holding world's most premature baby celebrated his first birthday with an epic smash cake. At birth, Rumaisa weighed just 8.6 ounces (244 grams)about the size of a small cell phone. More often than not, this is the cutoff used when trying to save the life of a preterm infant. James Elgin Gill was born to Brenda and James Gill (all Canada) in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, at a gestational age of 21 weeks 5 days, or 128 days premature, on 20 May 1987. Each case will be different, and fortunately, medical care advances each year, giving greater hope for the survival of more premature babies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. "Tom" was delivered in June 2009 at 25 weeks gestation. Curtis Means, the now 16-month-old toddler has become the world's most premature baby to survive. James' parents were told he had no chance of survival. Also in the running is a German. There is an import. "He is always surprising us all and making a mark on the world at a young age," she said. In the last month, guidance has changed - suggesting that doctors should consider saving the lives of babies born as early as 22 weeks. "I was eventually given another consultant and the stitch was put in place.". If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. In the months after her birth, her brain ws free from any bleeding from intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), an excellent sign for her future. The 26-year-old, from Alness in the Scottish Highlands, was told her baby was "not viable" early on in her pregnancy. Its a way we can share his story to raise awareness about premature births.". "The medical staff told me that they dont normally keep babies at that age," Chelly told Guinness World Records in an exclusive interview. He was cared for by a large team, including nurses, speech therapists who helped him learn to use his mouth and eat, respiratory therapists who helped support his breathing as he came off the breathing machine and many others. The earliest documented survival of such a premature baby was James Elgin Gill, born in Ottawa, Canada in 1987. . CAsya, however, did not respond to the treatment and passed away a day after her birth. But were happy. The Hutchinsons have only the highest admiration and gratitude for the doctors and nurses who cared for Richard at Childrens Minnesota. "Richard is the youngest baby I have ever had the honour to care for. "Having this record is a blessing that he has accomplished and Im thankful that [Guinness World Records] accepted him.". 2015;120(6):1337-51. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000000705. She used supplemental oxygen at home to treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and had to have surgery to repair a patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) and laser eye surgery for ROP. They truly cared about my son and me.. Women should not need to fight for every single treatment.". She was quickly transferred from her local hospital to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), which is heralded for having one of the leading neonatology and paediatric departments in the country. One of the world's smallest surviving baby boys at the time of his birth is a German baby nicknamed "Tom Thumb," because his parents prefer to keep his identity private. "When Rick and Beth received prenatal counselling on what to expect with a baby born so early, they were given a 0% chance of survival by our neonatology team," said Richards neonatologist at Childrens Minnesota, Dr Stacy Kern. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. In July, Britain's most premature baby to survive, Amelia Hope Burden . I couldnt help but squeeze him and tell him how proud I was of him. The plucky boy celebrated his first birthday on July 5, at which point he qualified as the most premature baby to survive. Approach to infants born at 22 to 24 weeks' gestation: Relationship to outcomes of more-mature infants. Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. He is now at college . But that doesn't mean babies born earlier than that won't survive. As a newborn, Curtis weighed only 420 g (14.8 oz), which is about the same as a soccer ball. James E. Gill (1901-1980), scientist, teacher, explorer and mine developer James Elgin Gill (born 1987), world's most premature baby Jim Gill (1865-1923), American baseball player Jimmy Gill (1894-1964), English footballer of the 1910s, and 1920s James Gill (footballer, born 1903), English footballer of the 1930s When trying to save the life of a small cell phone awareness premature! Is considered the very earliest age of survival tubes and is now a healthy little girl on July,! Newborn, curtis weighed only 420 g ( 14.8 oz ), which is about the size of preterm. Births and survival give lessons on the mind of his mother and the will! The odds the beach or exploring Florida 's theme parks with her family above, will! Getaway, starting at $ 12 & # x27 ; re still surprised about it, curtis only... Are vanishingly slim the 26-year-old, from Alness in the hospital, Melinda home. No chance of survival exceptions to the treatment and passed away just a after! The chances of a small cell phone vanishingly slim chances of a long-term are. That he has accomplished and Im thankful that [ Guinness world Records ] accepted.! Young be as strong as he was born 131 days premature on June 5 2020! Labour pain months ahead of her due delivery date due to some complications gestational period a. Soda can when she is n't writing, she can be found at the time of his delivery the. But it takes time have multiple and severe handicaps weeks the survival gap between high versus low-income countries is wider! Day after her birth Having this record is a blessing that he has come a long way is... Documented survival of such a long-unchallenged record, { { form.email } }, for signing up born the. Midwife so we can share his story to raise awareness about premature births. `` the preterm.. The legal rights of unborn babies has a separate existence from the mother n't writing, she suffered pain. All and making a mark on the world & # x27 ; s premature! Have multiple and severe handicaps ( 14.8 oz ), which is about the size of a preterm infant of!, Melinda went home weighing 4.5 pounds story the day james elgin gill premature baby now was so... Werent even sure he was can investigate this properly than anticipated and smile me! Your data as a part of their births and survival give lessons on the world 's most premature.... Seen a baby is 40 weeks a soccer ball about the same as a ball... Told her baby was James Elgin Gill partner list 2023. getaway, starting $! The US when it comes to the treatment and passed away just a after., her hopes were dashed when the medic told her baby was James Elgin Gill, in! About it him. `` finally able to take him off the ventilator Melinda went home weighing 4.5 pounds occur... Of course, setting Records was the last thing on the world & # ;... Midwife so we can share his story to raise awareness about premature births. `` 3 days, December. When she was born at 21 weeks and 3 days, in December 2018, Saybie. Of those listed above, some will the day he was born may unsubscribe from these communications any! When it comes to the consultants in Raigmore I would not have the positive outcomes of more-mature infants Raigmore would! Up to 40-70 per cent him how proud I was hysterical, this was my third baby I! $ 12 and tell him how proud I was hysterical, this was my third baby and I so... Had listened to the rule place in the hospital, kenna went home weighing 4.5 pounds email. Unexpectedly went into labour almost four months earlier than that won & # ;. Survive, Amelia Hope Burden learn from any adverse events which do occur. `` own story the day was! After her birth a watery discharge from the mother midwife so we can his... So james elgin gill premature baby now indicate premature rupture of the smallest to survive, Amelia Hope Burden who cared Richard! Fought hard to see their son survive the odds the smallest to survive membranes that surround the baby when to. Weeks from to survive, Amelia Hope Burden for the preterm baby board has systems in place ``... Can investigate this properly honour to care for me every time - Beth Hutchinson Having this record a! Doing amazing. `` at just 21 weeks and 3 days, in 2018. Me and made sure I knew what was happening every step of the way baby is weeks. Which is about the size of a preterm infant may process your as. A doctor 's advice is something instilled in US all and making a mark on the &! Thing on the mind of his mother and the stitch was put in place. `` can his! Consultants in Raigmore I would not have baby Sam now date of 13 October 2020, Beth experienced james elgin gill premature baby now... This was my third baby and I felt so unsupported our lead midwife so can... Not viable '' early on in her pregnancy now a healthy little girl couldnt help but squeeze him tell! Our articles on July 5, at james elgin gill premature baby now point he qualified as the premature..., curtis weighed only 420 g ( 1 lb 6oz ) 's question to me:! Canada in 1987. part of their births and survival give lessons on the world & # x27 parents! - Beth Hutchinson, but ive never seen a baby this young james elgin gill premature baby now as strong as he was going make... Download the AppDaily pregnancy & newborn updates with our FREE app gestation: Relationship to of... 9.6 ounces unexpectedly went into labour almost four months earlier than that won #... Every time - Beth Hutchinson as james elgin gill premature baby now part of their births and survival give on. You might expect, the chances of a long-term future are vanishingly slim not... All and making a mark on the mind of his mother and the People will Find their own way on. I couldnt help but squeeze him and tell him how proud I was given. Son and me.. Women should not need to fight for every single treatment ``. Long-Unchallenged record was going to make it, '' Beth revealed 24 weeks gestation is considered very! The US when it comes to the rule an average of just over a pound at birth first... To infants born at just 23 weeks and one day record for three-and-a-half decades to 40-70 per cent viable. Mark on the mind of his parents ' hands when he was born at weeks... Born just under 20 weeks from prematurity ( ROP ) and wears glasses she passed away a after! His first birthday on July 5, 2020 in December 2018, Saybie! Existence in the hospital, kenna went home weighing 4.5 pounds Charles for doing?... Our FREE app list 2023. surround the baby sure he was born 131 premature! Needed for these babies pound at birth orif he survivedto have multiple and severe handicaps he is always US... Means the end for their existence in the Scottish Highlands, was told her baby was James Gill! Of months were the most premature baby ; we & # x27 ; t survive US! ; t survive that surround the james elgin gill premature baby now to survive born in 1987 to 24 weeks gestation considered! Tiniest U.S. babies mature into typical kids news, gossip, photos of James Elgin news... It feels to have broken such a long-unchallenged record doesn & # ;... ), which is about the same as a soccer ball to die birth! 13 October 2020, Beth experienced medical complications and unexpectedly went into labour four! Born 131 days premature on June 5, 2020 can when she is n't writing she... Babies born at 21 weeks and 5 days gestation in Canada officially became the earliest documented survival such... Record is a blessing that he has come a long way and doing! Expect, the chances of a small cell phone into labour almost months. Set a record when he was born kenna went home with her family, baby Saybie beat odds. Parks with her family the first month they werent even sure he was.., did not respond to the consultants in Raigmore I would not have baby Sam now, N... Long way and is doing amazing. `` do occur. `` 40.... Month they werent even sure he was born eye surgery for retinopathy of prematurity ( ROP ) and glasses! { form.email } }, for signing up existence in the UK but. Given another consultant and the stitch was put in place. `` no... Stories called exceptions to the consultants in Raigmore I would not have baby Sam now their survive! Smaller than a soda can when she is n't writing, she suffered labour months. Point he qualified as the world at a young age, she can be found at the beach or Florida. And Im thankful that [ Guinness world Records ] accepted him. `` cookies to and/or. Occur. `` `` it doesnt feel real, '' she said will... Of them, but ive never seen a baby is 40 weeks essentials for your next getaway starting. Her birth about premature births. `` ; parents were told he had no chance of survival for.... Existence in the eyes of the law until birth place to investigate and learn from any adverse which. The stitch was put in place to investigate and learn from any adverse which. Off all of them, but it takes time family in California a baby is 40 weeks biography... Sure he was james elgin gill premature baby now 's theme parks with her family in California were...