There
are very few things more fascinating than childbirth. The process of bringing a
baby into the world, having carried them carefully for nine months, is one that
leaves people in awe on a daily basis.
However,
there are few births as incredible as that of Manushi, who was born 12 weeks
prematurely, weighing a shocking 0.4kg (0.8lbs) – the average weight of a
healthy baby born at full term is usually somewhere between 2.7 and 4.1kg
(6-9lbs).
Yet
despite her highly concerning weight, which saw doctors give her a 0.5% chance
of survival, Manushi is now six-months-old and finally able to leave the
hospital where she has so far spent her whole life.
Manushi’s
traumatic birth came unexpectedly on June 15 after her mother, 48-year-old
Seeta’s blood pressure began to dramatically rise. Concerned for the health of
mother and baby, doctors did an ultrasound which revealed an absence of blood
flow to the fetus.
With
little time to act, doctors chose to deliver the baby 12 weeks early by
C-section at a hospital in Rajasthan, India. It was thought highly unlikely
that the baby would survive the ordeal, but Manushi was evidently meant to be
for this world as she managed to breathe independently – albeit with
difficulty.
At
the time of her forced birth, Manushi’s brain, kidney, lungs and heart were
underdeveloped, meaning that she had to be quickly moved to a ventilator to
help keep her organs functioning. Her paper-thin skin was also a concern for
doctors who were sure she wouldn’t survive the traumatic events.
At just
8.6 inches, Manushi’s tiny frame was incredibly fragile and required extra
attention from medical professionals. “She was struggling to breathe, so was
immediately put on advanced respiratory support ventilator to expand her tiny,
immature lungs,” said Dr. Sunil Janged.
“We
had to start the baby on total parenteral nutrition, which basically means
giving all the essential nutrients such as amino acids, carbohydrates, minerals
and multivitamins directly into blood circulation [sic].”
Due
to Manushi’s intense medical needs, the bill for her care reached Rs 1,000,000
($15,746), which was fortunately covered by the hospital due to Manushi’s
parent’s low income.
“We
decided to save the life of the baby and offer her necessary medical care and
attention because we wanted to send out a message that a girl child must be
protected,” Dr. Janged explained. “In a state like Rajasthan where female
infanticide is rampant, people have to come forward and take [a] step to end
this evil practice.”
Manushi,
who is now six-months-old, was discharged from the hospital this month and is
believed to be developing normally.
There
is no doubt that the tiny tot will require further medical assistance, but in
the meantime, she appears to be happy and healthy.
We
wish Manushi and her family all the best for the future, although after her
incredible birth it would appear that Manushi doesn’t need any good luck as she
evidently has plenty!
Meanwhile,
other babies around the world are experiencing hardships of equal measure, as this
heartbreaking video recorded by a young mother before she places her baby up
for adoption shows:
The
clip is truly heartbreaking, and very difficult to watch, but we applaud the
mother’s bravery in an extremely difficult time.
Source : viralthread.com