Premature Baby Born 17 Weeks Early And Weighing 1Ib Leaves Hospital

A baby that was born 17 weeks early and weighed just over 1lb has been allowed to go home.

Tiffany Bushell and her husband Matthew, from Watford, were incredibly worried when their daughter Millie was born prematurely back in April, fearing she may not pull through.

But after four months in hospital, the brave little girl, who also had a hole in her heart and has fought over a number of infections, including a suspected case of sepsis, has now gone home with her mum and dad.

For the first five weeks after she was born, Millie had to be placed on a ventilator after she stopped breathing at just two days old.

However, Tiffany, 32, and Matthew, 30 who tragically lost their first daughter Ruby back in 2018 after she was born at 24 weeks and three days old, are now delighted they can finally be a family.

Matthew said: "We're over the moon that she's back. It's like being on cloud nine. We had Ruby for a week and then she passed away. It was the worst day of my life. It was really dark."

Mercury Press

But it has been a tough road for the couple.

Due to the restrictions put in place during lockdown, Matthew and Tiffany weren't able to be with Millie all of the time.

Tiffany was only allowed to visit her little girl for two hours a day while Matthew could only see her via video call.

And after finally being able to hold their daughter and take her home with them, they say that they focused on a bright future together.

Tiffany said: "She's a miracle. Now she's here, it's such a weight off our shoulders.

"We're so relieved that she is at home and it makes us realise how far she has come. We're fulfilled - we've been waiting for this moment for so long."

Matthew added: "We are in a much better place now. I want to thank all the hospital staff for doing their best. 'We're just so thankful to be finally back at home all together, safe."

Tiffany says they just want to introduce Millie to her family and to catch up on some much-needed rest after months and months of worry and uncertainty.

"It's nice that a few friends and family have finally been able to see her," she said.

"I'm so happy she is back. It was emotionally draining having to leave her. I just want to spend lots of time in the house with her."

Topics: UK News

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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