Specialist care helps baby Isaac go home after birth at just 22 weeks

Born at just 22 weeks and three days and weighing only 555g, Isaac is the youngest surviving baby ever born at University Hospital, Coventry.

Now, after months of specialist care, mum Vimbay and dad Tatenda have taken their son home for the first time, where his two siblings were there to welcome him.

Isaac was born extremely prematurely in February, weighing about 1.2lbs - roughly the same as a large block of butter - but his progress has been remarkable.

Cared for by the expert teams in the Neonatal and Special Care Baby Units, Isaac has spent his first months surrounded by specialist support and now weighs almost 6lbs.

Vimbay said: “It was one of the scariest moments of my life and it has been an emotional rollercoaster. We’ve celebrated every gram he has gained!

“There have been moments of fear and moments of exhaustion, but there have also been moments of hope, and my faith has carried me through this.

“The nursing team and Neonatal staff have been amazing. Isaac wouldn’t have got to where he is now without them.

“When he was in Intensive Care, that was the hardest time, and the nurses there have such a big job caring for the tiniest children. At first I just wanted to go home with my baby, but then the thought of going home was scarier than staying in hospital. I’m receiving a lot of support from the Neonatal Community Outreach Team and that is really reassuring.”

Approximately seven in 10 babies born at 22 weeks sadly do not survive labour or the immediate post-natal period.

For the team who have cared for Isaac since he came into the world, seeing him go home was a proud and emotional milestone.

Tracey Brigstock, Chief Nursing Officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, said: “Isaac’s journey is a powerful example of the strength shown by babies, families and staff every day in our Neonatal services.

“We are incredibly proud of the care, compassion and expertise shown by our teams. It is wonderful to know Isaac is now home with his family, and we wish them every happiness for the future.”